Chapter 4

The dining room felt like a stage set for a performance of dominance—my father standing at the head of the table, his voice carrying the unmistakable tone of a man who expected no objections. I sat with my back straight, the weight of my knowledge heavy on my shoulders as I watched the scene unfold exactly as I knew it would.

"I've called this family dinner to discuss some adjustments to our estate planning," Magnus announced, his eyes briefly meeting mine before shifting to Celeste, who sat across from me with a perfectly practiced expression of humble gratitude. "In light…