…
Standing at a window at the Aristide Manor Main building, Julian Du Aristide II gripped the windowsill to keep himself from falling when the tremor rocked the Manor.
Julian had watched everything that happened. He had seen the intrusive carriage drive into the grounds and watched the ensuing conversation, which ended with the entry of the four ladies.
He still held hope for a favorable end—for him—to the whole ordeal so no matter what happened, he watched.
During the explosion, even as he tried to keep his footing, he had a wide grin. Surely, an explosion that great that caused the entire Manor to tremble and struck worry into his own heart would have obliterated that upstart of a nephew of his.
But then Victoire went in, and she returned, supporting five children, one of them unmistakably Aurelius.
"There's still hope," Julian said with gritted teeth, "He could be dead."
