Chapter 34 Conference

• The evening was warm, with the soft glow of the setting sun casting a golden hue over the Blackwood estate’s sprawling garden. Victoria sat on the porch swing, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea. From her vantage point, she could see Daniel and Ethan playing with a frisbee on the lawn. Ethan’s laughter echoed in the air, a carefree melody that tugged at her heart.
• She smiled faintly, though her chest felt heavy. On the surface, everything seemed perfect—her husband doting on their son, the picture of a happy family. But beneath the facade, she knew the truth. And it was eating her alive.
• “Mom! Did you see that?” Ethan’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He ran up to her, beaming as he held the frisbee triumphantly. “Dad says I’m getting really good!”