CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX - THINGS LEFT UNSAID

Mara's hands trembled as she read letter after letter, each one revealing more of Natalia's plot to disinherit Sebastian and seize control of the estate. The scope of the deception was staggering, and Mara felt a cold dread settle in the pit of her stomach. She knew she had to act, but caution was paramount. Hastily retying the bundle and returning it to its hiding place, Mara left the library with purposeful strides. She needed to find Clarissa. Mara found Clarissa in the conservatory, tending to a collection of exotic orchids. The younger woman looked up as Mara entered, her brow furrowing at the obvious distress on her friend's face. "Mara? What's wrong?" Clarissa asked, setting aside her watering can. Mara closed the conservatory door behind her, ensuring their privacy before speaking in a hushed tone. "Clarissa, I've discovered something... troubling. It's about Natalia." Clarissa's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening. "What about her?" Mara recounted her discovery in the