Chapter 81

Mrs. Williams (Dominic’s grandma) POV ; The old Williams house was quiet that afternoon, except for the soft rustle of leaves outside the window and the faint clinking of tea cups in my parlor. I sat in my favorite chair, listening to the news that Mrs. Carpenter had been recovering well. At last. I had been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time. “Madam,” our butler informed me, “shall we invite Madam over for a visit?” I nodded with a smile. “Yes, send the invitation.” My thoughts churned as I sipped my tea. Her health improving meant I could finally confirm the suspicion that had lingered in my mind ever since Dominic brought Sophie home. --- The next day, she arrived. When I saw her, I was startled anew by her resemblance to Sophie. It was uncanny. The same delicate features, the same soft gaze, though her face was lined with years of sorrow. “You’re looking much better these days,” I greeted her warmly. She smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s all