"What about the family named 'Carpenter?'"
The name hung in the air like a sudden chill. The Mayor's reaction was immediate and telling. His face paled, and his breath caught in his throat. His hands, which had been tapping nervously on the desk, stilled completely, gripping the edge of the wood as if to steady himself.
Maria's eyes widened in recognition of the name, a flicker of something like sorrow crossing her tired features.
Damian, who had been glaring at Astron with suspicion, now looked slightly down as if something had been revealed. Something that he wanted to hide.
Celia, who had been simmering with irritation, now stared at her father, her expression shifting to one of shock.
The Mayor's mouth opened, but no words came out. It was as if the very mention of the name had robbed him of his voice. The room seemed to grow colder, the oppressive weight of unspoken truths pressing down on everyone.
