Chapter 12

On the ninth day after Natalie's death, Jayden finally broke down. He cried—loud, desperate sobs that echoed with anguish and regret. But it was too late. His sister, his most beloved family member, was gone for good. The Carter residence was still steeped in grief. Even though the rain had stopped, the suffocating atmosphere hadn't lifted one bit. Every housekeeper moved with exaggerated caution, worried they might upset Jayden. Clara stood in front of Natalie's bedroom, biting her lip as she looked at the Carter family's butler, Charles Carrington. "Does Jay still refuse to see anyone?" Charles gave her a troubled nod. Ever since Jayden accepted that Natalie was truly gone, he'd locked himself in her room and refused to come out. He didn't want to see anyone, not even Clara, whom he used to dote on so much. Clara had no choice but to ask Charles to take good care of Jayden before turning and walking away. But the moment she rounded the corner where no one could see her, the con