Chapter 120 - When Control Begins to Crack

The next morning at the dining table felt unusually still, like even the house itself was holding its breath. The usual rhythm was gone—no casual chatter from Elena, no light remarks, no forced elegance masking tension. She sat straighter than usual, but there was something off in the way she held herself, like her composure was being maintained through sheer effort rather than ease. Victor noticed it too; I could tell from the way his eyes kept flicking between her and me, cautious, measuring, as if he was trying to read a conversation that hadn't even begun yet. I stayed quiet, eating slowly, observing, letting the silence stretch just enough to become uncomfortable.