Chapter 22
Rosenta strode into the drawing room without hesitation, settling herself in the most prominent seat. She removed her feathered hat with a graceful flick of her wrist, smoothing her hair with an elegance that seemed almost theatrical.
"What brings you here?"
"Oh, dear. Must I always have a reason to visit my dear brother?"
"You were the one who drew the line, saying we were no longer family!"
Louis’ outburst might as well have been spoken into the void. Rosenta barely acknowledged it, her gaze lazily sweeping across the room.
A place left untended.
No guests, obviously. Who would bother visiting a household in ruins? There was no reason to hire help to clean unused rooms—not when they likely couldn’t even afford proper meals.
Suddenly, the chair she sat on felt distasteful. Clicking her tongue, Rosenta rose to her feet, pulled out a handkerchief, and carefully spread it over the seat before sitting down again—an action more suited for outdoor benches than indoor furniture.
All three of them frowned simultaneously.
"Lukas, let’s go inside with your mother. My love, call me when the Countess of Hunter leaves."
Bella, pressing her fingers against her throbbing temple, left the room. Lukas hesitated, reluctant to miss whatever conversation was about to unfold, but in the end, he followed, his mother’s hand firmly grasping his own.
After ensuring she was properly tucked into bed, Lukas excused himself, saying he would fetch water.