Back at the Lafayettes’ home, with a full stomach and a clear mind, Rosalie leaned back on the sofa, replaying River’s actions from earlier. Something felt off.

Her parents had already left for their post-meal walk, a daily health ritual of theirs. After sitting for about ten minutes following each meal, they would stroll hand-in-hand around the manor grounds for at least half an hour before returning.

Her grandfather, despite his advanced age, still held the reins at the company, tirelessly w