41. The Hate

The drive to the mansion was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. As they pulled into the driveway, Lillian felt a sense of unease settle over her. She glanced at Sebastian, who reached over to squeeze her hand reassuringly.

"We’ll get through this, Lillian," he said softly. "Together."

She nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know. I just hope we can figure out who’s behind all this before it’s too late."

"We will," Sebastian promised. "I won’t let anything happen to you or anyone in your family again."

As Lillian stepped into the mansion, she barely had time to take a breath before Katie rushed toward her, wrapping her small arms tightly around Lillian's waist. "Aunt Lillian!" Katie exclaimed, her voice filled with pure joy. "I missed you so much!"

Lillian knelt, hugging Katie back just as tightly. "I missed you too, sweetheart," she whispered, feeling a swell of emotions at the sight of her niece. She glanced up to see Mrs. Rojas approaching, a curious expression on h