Maya’s lips parted, a tremor running through her. She knows my mother’s name. Why? How? The weight of it pressed down on her chest, stealing the air from her lungs, as her thoughts spun out of control.
Swallowing hard, she stepped out from behind Damien’s protective stance, her hands trembling at her sides. Her voice came out fragile, unsteady, but laced with urgency.
“Madam… you… you know my mom?”
Dahlia’s breath caught, her eyes widening even further, glistening with recognition and disbelief. Her teacup still lay shattered on the carpet, forgotten.
“You…” Her voice cracked as she took a slow, trembling step forward. “You’re Malia’s daughter?”
The words hit the room like a thunderclap.
Ashcroft froze mid-step, his jaw falling open, all his usual playfulness gone in an instant. Jame
