“And you’re still willing to enter my home?”

“I’m not doing it for you.”

For the first time that night, something almost human crossed Adrian’s face. “I understand.”

“No,” Hannah replied softly. “I don’t think you do.”

Chapter 2 — A House That Did Not Live

The Vale estate stood behind iron gates on a private stretch of Long Island shoreline. Its stone walls, arched windows, and sweeping staircases made it look less like a home than a fortress designed by someone who distrusted the world.

Inside, grief had hollowed it out.