Clarissa sped home with her mother trailing behind her as they parked in a quiet corner of the mansion grounds. She stormed out of her car, ignoring her mother's frantic warnings, and rushed toward the entrance.
"Clarissa, don't disturb your grandfather!" Leah called out, struggling to catch up with her daughter.
Clarissa ignored her mother's warnings. Her thoughts were focused on one thing as she walked briskly through the spacious living room, not stopping until she reached her grandfather's study.
She hesitated for a moment before entering with a steady breath. The old man was bent over his desk, deeply immersed in a pile of documents.
"Grandpa," Clarissa said softly, stepping closer.
Elder Gilbert looked up, his usually warm gaze replaced by something colder and more distant. He gave her a tight-lipped nod.
"What is it?" He asked.
Clarissa's throat tightened at the unfamiliar chill in his eyes. She wondered if her mother had already filled him in.
