Genevieve's eyes blazed with fury as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders. The gesture felt protective, maternal—something I hadn't experienced in years. I leaned into her embrace, allowing myself this small moment of comfort.
"My poor child," she murmured, her voice gentle but lined with steel. "You've endured far more than anyone should have to bear."
Julian shifted uncomfortably across the room, his amber eyes darting between his grandmother and me. The muscle in his jaw twitched—a tell I'd learned meant he was struggling to maintain control.
The door burst open, and Natalie stormed back in, her face flushed with indignation. "Julian, you can't possibly allow this!"
Genevieve's arm tightened around me. "You dare return after being dismissed?"
Natalie ignored her, focusing her pleading gaze on Julian. "Five years, Julian. Five years I've stood by your side, helped you through everything. Are you really going to let her cast me out like some unwanted servant?"
