Reginald looked up at last. His tone was calm, but the weight of disappointment in it made Anna's chest tighten.
"Anna," he said slowly, "what happened during the time Elena was rescued… should never have happened."
The words hit Anna like a slap. Her throat went dry. She rushed to speak before he could say anything more.
"Father, please— I didn't mean for any of that to happen!" she said quickly, stepping closer. "I never wanted to cause harm. I was really in pain. You know I love Elena— she's my sister, my family, I could never do something like that on purpose."
Her voice trembled, but she forced a tear into it, hoping it would move them. Evelyn remained silent, her lips pressed together. Reginald's eyes stayed fixed on her, unreadable. The only sound afterward was the ticking of the old clock near the fireplace.
