Lady Francesca felt her legs give way beneath her as the news of Javier's disappearance reached her ears. She gripped the edge of a nearby chair for support, her normally composed demeanor cracking under the weight of concern.
"My son…" she murmured, her voice barely audible. "He's mischievous, yes, but he's never stayed out this late. Where could he be?"
The maids surrounding her exchanged worried glances but said nothing, unsure of how to console their lady.
"Miss Gloria," Lady Francesca said finally, regaining a measure of her composure. "Send word to the estate guards. I want every capable man searching for my son. Light the beacons if you must, and keep the perimeter secure. We cannot risk anything happening to him."
"Yes, my lady," Gloria replied, bowing before hurrying out of the room.
