Chapter 189

Sebastian Zane let out a low chuckle, slow and tired, like he knew I'd caught him mid-spin. "You've gotten sharper," he said, slipping his hands into his coat pockets as we made our way toward the front door. The house was quiet—too quiet. The kind of quiet that made you listen harder, just in case the past decided to echo. He continued, voice softer now. "Cecilia's grandmother worked for my family years ago. Her mom stayed with us for a while too—she was just a kid back then." "Funny thing is, I didn't put it together until I ran into Cecilia at the grocery store last month. It felt like the past just reached out and tapped me on the shoulder." I raised a brow. "Esther Moore—that's Cecilia's mom, right? What, was she an old flame or something?" Zane barked a laugh. "God, no. She was a child. I was… well, not someone you'd want around a child." "Then why the cross-country pilgrimage? You really expect me to believe this is just a nostalgic detour?" He hesitated. That pause said more th