Chapter 635

Sienna Ackerley kept the sadness buried deep inside. Her parents were gone, and they were never coming back. But she had to move forward now. She wasn't that little girl anymore. She had to be brave, strong—just like her sister-in-law, Leslie Cross. As Sienna talked about Leslie, Genevieve Cross listened like someone soaking up knowledge, eager for every detail. She leaned in slightly, eyes locked on Sienna, not letting a word slip by. Walter and Matilda Ackerley also joined in shortly after, settling in to help entertain the guests. The four elders quickly got into a conversation among themselves. Meanwhile, little Timothy Cross had probably asked a million times, “Is Auntie home yet?” until finally—Leslie Cross was back. It was November, and the sky turned dark earlier. By 6:30 PM, it was already pitch black outside. At Starcrest Manor, though, every light was on, warmth pouring through the windows. As Leslie stepped inside and took in the buzzing energy around the house, she raised