Adrian left the office, but not before stopping at the door. “You will regret ever standing in my way, Amber.” His voice was low. Controlled. Promising. Then he walked out. I remained standing in front of Grandfather’s desk, the Zoom meeting still active behind me. The screen displayed a grid of faces — cousins from the Second and Third Houses watching with undisguised interest. Not just spectators. Potential competitors. Grandfather addressed them calmly. “Any direct blood member of the First, Second, or Third House who wishes to enter the Heir Trial may declare their intention before the end of the day.” The reaction was immediate — whispers, exchanged glances, silent calculations. More than one of them looked tempted. Grandfather ended the call. The screen went dark. For a moment, the room felt heavier. He leaned back in his chair, suddenly looking older. “Your cousin Adrian has a backer, Amber.” My fingers tightened slightly. “I don’t know who it is yet,”
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