Chapter 95 - Whispers by the Sea: A Promise and a Confrontation

The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and freedom as I sat across from Isabelle at the seaside restaurant. Small, colorful lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm glow across her face. Before us lay a feast of seafood that made my mouth water—dishes I'd never imagined existed, let alone tasted.

"You've really never had lobster before?" Isabelle asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

I shook my head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "The Sterling family never took me to places like this. And before that..." I trailed off, not wanting to dwell on my impoverished past.

"Well then," she said, picking up a lobster claw and demonstrating how to crack it open, "consider this your initiation."

I followed her lead, awkwardly wrestling with the red shell until it finally yielded. The tender white meat inside was worth the struggle—buttery, sweet, and unlike anything I'd ever tasted.

"This is incredible," I admitted between bites.