All Chapters of The Heiress in the Shadows: Chapter 11 - Chapter 12

A few days into winter break following the grueling mid-term exams, the Castellan estate finally offered a chance to breathe, even if the peace was only on the surface. Outside, the autumn frost had given way to a relentless December chill, turning the sprawling grounds into a landscape of dark stone and slick, blackened ice. Snow fell in thin, sharp needles against the tall windows, but inside the high-ceilinged lounge of the east wing, the grand fireplace crackled with burning birch, casting long, dancing amber shadows across the dark mahogany paneling.Kristina sat in a wingback armchair near the hearth, her back perfectly straight, a crystal saucer resting lightly in her palm. While most of their university peers were off celebrating the break elsewhere, the atmosphere in the private family wing remained thick with an unsaid, heavy tension.Across the low tea table sat Julian. His wool coat was discarded over the arm of the sofa, his silk tie loosened just enough to expose the res