Chapter 483

Sebastian Richards hesitated, looking toward his wife, Elaria Grace. Elaria moved closer, sitting quietly beside their daughter, Chloe. She gently brushed her hand along Chloe's face. Her tears had already soaked through her clothes, and yet she never looked away, not even for a second. Mrs. Richards’ voice turned sharp. “Elaria, are you really going to make me beg you like this too?” Before she could even move, William Turner dropped to his knees right in front of Elaria, choking on his words. “Mom… please, I’m begging you.” Elaria’s voice trembled as she called out, “Sebastian…” He shut his eyes tight, as if the whole weight of the world had suddenly collapsed on his shoulders. — Just outside the window, soft snow was falling in Brankenheim. Thin frost clung to the clear glass. Every now and then, more snowflakes joined in, brushing lightly across the surface, like they were whispering secrets only winter understood. Mrs. Richards wasn’t wrong—when the whole family’s together, wherev