"What?!" James, Henry, Louisa, Susan, and Frederick echoed in unison, their faces pale with shock.
Stacey's eyes widened as she turned to Frederick. "Don't tell me Katherine August is your late mum," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Frederick's eyes were fixed on the floor, his face ashen. He nodded, unable to speak.
Adrian, confused, stepped forward. "Is there a problem? Should I send the woman away?"
Henry's voice was low and menacing. "No, lead her in."
As Adrian left, the room erupted into a cacophony of whispers.
"It can't be her," Louisa said, her hands shaking. "She's dead. We saw her body."
"But what if it's really her?" Susan asked, her eyes wide with fear.
James paced back and forth. "This is impossible. She's been dead for years."
Henry's face was set in a grim mask. "We'll find out soon enough."
