Chapter 20 - One Year Later
The first snow of December was falling over the Weston woods, dusting the limestone walls and wrought-iron gates of the estate in a blanket of pristine, glittering white.
Inside the grand ballroom—the exact room where gunfire had shattered the mirrors a year ago—a warm, crackling fire burned in the massive stone hearth. The room was decorated with pine garlands and fairy lights for the family’s holiday dinner. The string quartet wasn't playing solemn classical compositions; they were playing cheerful holiday melodies as a dozen close friends, loyal captains, and family members mingled around the buffet.
Standing near the tall, arched windows overlooking the snow-covered gardens was Clara Rostova. She looked glowing and completely healthy in a ruby-red cocktail dress, laughing as she argued over maritime sports scores with Thomas, who had spent the entire evening attentively refilling her punch glass whenever it dropped below half.
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Near the fireplace, Leo and Mia—now seven years old and missing two front teeth each—were sitting on the Persian rug with their golden retriever, trying to tie a red velvet bow around the patient dog’s collar for a holiday photograph.
"He won't sit still, Mom!" Mia giggled,
