CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE – THE VALUE OF FAMILY

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when the doorbell rang, shattering the uneasy peace that had settled over the mansion. Karina, who had been curled up with a book in the library, froze at the sound. She wasn't expecting anyone, and Miguel was in his study on a conference call. Making her way to the front door, Karina's confusion turned to shock as she opened it to reveal her Aunt Beatrice, a stern-faced woman in her sixties with sharp eyes that seemed to miss nothing. "Aunt Bea?" Karina gasped. "What are you doing here?" Aunt Beatrice sniffed disapprovingly. "Is that any way to greet your family, Karina? I came to see this fiancé of yours for myself. The engagement announcement was quite a surprise, you know." Karina felt her stomach drop. Of all the people to show up unannounced, Aunt Beatrice was possibly the worst. She was known for her conservative views and razor-sharp tongue. "Of course, come in," Karina said, plastering on a smile. "Miguel is just on a call, but he should be