In the heavy silence of a Caulem manor drawing room, Maria's grief erupted into fury. Her hands held Leo's collar, trembling as tears streamed down her face. "This is your fault, Leonhardt! Vivien's gone because of you!" Her voice was a raw, anguished scream, her eyes blind with pain.
Leo stood motionless, his crimson gaze fixed on the floor, his silence a wall against her accusations.
Lucian's face pale with shock and shouted, "Mother, what are you talking about? Why are you blaming him?"
Maria's sobs drowned out his words, her grip tightening. Alric rose, and pulled her back. His hand struck her cheek with a sharp, resounding slap that silenced the room. Maria staggered, her hand holding to her face, tears falling to the polished floor as she stared at Alric, stunned.
Alric's voice was low, edged with steel. "You caused this, Maria, and now you are blaming Leonhardt? Have you no remorse for what you've done?"
