Chapter 28

Emma's Pov

As I made my way downstairs, the soft hum of voices reached my ears.

Laughter floated up from below, mixing with the clatter of dishes and chairs scraping against the floor.

It was lively—unusual, considering the quiet, tense atmosphere that usually followed Gregory around.

I paused on the stairs for a moment, listening closely. Among the chatter, I picked out a voice I knew all too well.

Gregory’s deep, commanding tone. But there was another voice, one that sounded almost... like his? I frowned, my curiosity piqued.

Who’s here? I wondered, my feet carrying me the rest of the way down the stairs.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Gregory didn’t seem like the type to have casual guests over for breakfast.

As I turned the corner and entered the dining room, the scene that greeted me took me by surprise.

Gregory was seated at the head of the table, his usual brooding air nowhere to be found. He looked... relaxed.

His mother, Luna Essa, was seated beside him