The grand hall of the Blackwood mansion felt colder than usual, though the fire roared in the hearth. My footsteps echoed as Damien and I walked side by side toward the family gathering in the drawing room. In my hand, I clutched the documents we'd fought so hard to uncover—the undeniable proof of my mother's rightful claim to the Blackwood estate.
Damien's hand brushed against mine, a silent reassurance. He had been my rock through this tumultuous journey, but even he couldn't erase the knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. This confrontation had been a long time coming, and I was more determined than ever to see it through.
"Are you ready for this?" Damien asked quietly, his voice steady but laced with concern.
I nodded, tightening my grip on the papers. "Ready as I'll ever be."
