Arianne had not stepped into this estate for years. The last time she was here had been after her mother's funeral, and since then, no formal summons had been issued until now.
The estate appeared largely unchanged. Its height and stone façade distinguished it from the surrounding modern properties, and the Conway crest carved into the archway they had just passed confirmed that the family's authority remained intact.
The remainder of the drive passed in silence. Gio sat beside her without speaking, and she did not attempt conversation.
The car stopped beneath the covered entrance. An elderly butler approached immediately and opened the rear door.
"Miss Arianne, it has been some time," he said with a slight bow.
She studied his face. He was familiar, though his name did not surface.
