The villa
Bella Point of view
The Asher mansion felt colder than usual. Grandfather Asher's death had left a void that reverberated through the villa, a heaviness that seemed to settle in every corner. I wasn't a true part of the family, but his passing had struck me deeply. I had looked forward to his promised revelations about my father and his connection to the Asher dynasty. Now, that hope felt as though it had been buried along with him.
Sam had left hours ago, probably still caught up in his suspicions about his grandfather's death. Meanwhile, I was stuck in the room, staring at the walls. The mansion was enormous, but I felt confined, suffocated by the tension lingering in the air.
I didn't want to risk encountering any of the Ashers, but my stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten all day. You can't starve yourself, Bella, I thought, reluctantly stepping out of the room.
