Chapter 26: The Unseen Strength

The dining room at Cavendish Manor was a space of quiet elegance. The long mahogany table gleamed under the soft light of the chandelier, its surface adorned with simple yet tasteful settings. Eleanor and James sat at opposite ends, their dinner plates pushed aside, the remnants of their meal forgotten as the conversation turned to heavier topics.

James broke the silence, his voice steady but laced with concern. “You know I’m only here because I care about you, Eleanor.”

Eleanor looked up from her untouched tea, meeting her brother’s intense gaze. “I know, James. But I’m not sure if that’s all this is about.”

James leaned forward, his elbows resting on the edge of the table, his fingers interlocked. “Ellie, you’ve always had a way of seeing right through me. I can’t help but worry. It’s in my nature. You’re my sister, and after everything we’ve been through as a family, I can’t sit back and watch you make decisions that could—”