After dinner, Lady Matilda motioned for everyone to remain seated. The clinking of cutlery ceased, and murmured conversations died down.
"Before we disperse," she began with commanding calmness, "I believe it is time Jessica is properly introduced to the family. She should understand the Santiago family tree."
What followed was a deliberate rundown of names and relations. Uncles, aunts, cousins—everyone took their turn, and Lady Matilda clarified the bloodlines as though each connection carried weight.
Jessica listened attentively. Her mind filtered through the names and titles, but it was one revelation that struck her most.
Lady Matilda had only two children—her mother, Nora, and a younger son, Donald. Jessica's heart skipped. Her mother had been the eldest. The firstborn.
So that was it.
The secret tension in the air. The barely concealed hostility. It all made sense now.
