Stephen gently wiped away Julie's tears, his voice soft with concern. "I'm sorry, Julie. I should have been here sooner." His heart ached to see her distress. I had truly fallen in love with Julie. In truth, I had received word immediately after Arthur had taken the Gray women away. When I learned of John's death, my first instinct was to rush to Julie's side. Although John had hurt her deeply, I knew that Julie still secretly longed for her father's love. The sudden loss had to be devastating for her. But just as I was preparing to leave, Mom called. Her warning was sharp and clear - the Gray residence would be filled with mourners paying their respects. If I appeared publicly with Julie now, our relationship would be exposed for all to see. On top of that, she coldly reminded me of my position as the Yarbrough heir, making it clear that this wasn't a request but an order. Caught between duty and desire, I had no choice but to comply. The days that followed were agonizing as I waited until after John's funeral, when the last of the mourners had left, before finally racing to Julie's side. Eventually, all four women returned to the Yarbrough residence with Stephen. Rosie walked reluctantly, her brow furrowed the entire way. The thought of returning to her former humiliating existence made her physically ill, but her concern for her family's welfare in that viper's nest outweighed her pride. On the surface, everything seemed to be returning to the way it had been-except for one startling difference. Zane and Zoey themselves came to the entrance to greet them. Though suspicious of this sudden warmth, the Gray women cautiously accepted it. Even Maris, who usually couldn't be bothered to acknowledge their existence, stood in the doorway with his parents. That evening, for the first time in recent memory, Raelynn and her daughters were invited to dine with the Yarbrough family in the great hall. Xylia, usually so cold and distant, was all smiles and graciousness. Zoey maintained her usual impassive expression but notably refrained from her characteristic veiled insults. Throughout the meal, Xylia and Maris artfully steered the conversation toward Zac with carefully worded questions. Though suspicious of their sudden interest, the Gray women answered truthfully, watching as Zane's expression remained carefully neutral throughout. Stephen felt some relief at the improved atmosphere. Whatever the reason for the change, for me, better relations could only help my plans with Julie. Whatever, like my family, I was very curious about Zac's current situation.Reliable sources claimed that Zac had forged ties with this powerful figure in the capital. If the Yarbroughs could somehow leverage that relationship, our influence could extend directly into the highest circles of Evergrand City. It was Xylia who made the first overt move. "Zac is your brother, is he not?" she asked with surprising familiarity. "Adopted, yes, but you shared a household for ten full years! Such bonds are not easily severed." Her wrinkled face broke into what she must have thought was a grandmotherly smile. "Why don't you contact him? Invite him to stay with us for a while. We'll prepare our finest courtyard for his comfort." With a royal wave of her hand, she continued, "Stephen, your current quarters are frankly unacceptable for guests of honor. As proper hosts, we must show appropriate generosity." She turned her calculating gaze to Raelynn. "The south courtyard has recently become available - quite spacious and well appointed. Raelynn, you and your daughters should move there tomorrow. It is much more suitable." The sudden shift to using familiar names-Zac and Raelynn—was so jarring it would have been comical had the situation not been so tense. To an outside observer, she might have seemed the picture of a doting family matriarch. As if she hadn't spent months turning a blind eye to the mistreatment of her servants. As if she hadn't made countless cutting remarks about their circumstances. The Gray women exchanged horrified glances, their faces shifting between shock, disbelief, and dawning understanding. Zac is John's accidental killer! However unintentional, his actions had led directly to John's death. And now Madam Xylia wanted him to be welcomed as an honored guest? The four women's faces changed and changed; they looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment. Xylia didn't know the grudge between them; she only knew that John had died and Zac had returned to the Gray family.