Chapter 24: The Blackwell Manor

The silence in Killian's office lingered, heavy and charged, even after Elijah's unexpected interruption, the air thick with unspoken words. Luna let out a quiet breath, still feeling the lingering tension of the earlier, emotionally charged conversation. But just as she was gathering her scattered thoughts, Killian straightened, a sudden movement that broke the stillness, and ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair.

"We're going to the Blackwell Manor," Killian stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Luna's brows furrowed. "What?"

Elijah, who had barely recovered from his embarrassing entrance, shot Killian a puzzled look. "Are you serious? Your grandfather is going to have a fit. And you know how he gets."

"I don't care." Killian's voice was firm, but something in his expression softened when his gaze flickered toward Luna. "My mother invited us. And considering everything that's happened, it's time."

Luna crossed her arms, feeling the weight of his words. "Time for what, exactly?"

"For you to see them again," Killian answered simply. "My parents."

A storm of emotions swirled inside her. It had been years since she had been in the same room with Killian's parents. His mother had always been warm and loving toward her, and his father—stern but fair—had welcomed her once upon a time. But things are different now. They didn't know the truth behind their marriage. They didn't know the details of their breakup.

And then there was Killian's grandfather.

She had never met the old man personally, but she had heard enough to know that he was a formidable presence. Unlike Killian's parents, he held power over the family's legacy, and if he wasn't fond of Luna before, she doubted the circumstances of their rushed marriage had changed his opinion.

"You're kidding, right?" Elijah scoffed. "You're throwing Luna into the lion's den just like that?"

Killian's expression remained unreadable. "I trust she can handle herself."

Luna clenched her jaw. Of course. It was always about what Killian decided. What he thought was best. She had half a mind to refuse, to remind him that she wasn't some chess piece to be moved at his will.

But before she could reject the idea outright, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen.

Unknown Number: You still think you're safe, don't you?

Her stomach twisted.

Adrian.

She swallowed hard and forced herself to remain still, to keep her expression neutral. The last thing she wanted was for Killian to see the dread creeping into her.

Maybe leaving the charity for a little while wasn't a bad idea. Maybe stepping into the controlled chaos of the Blackwell estate would give her some time to think, to plan her next move.

Luna inhaled deeply and looked at Killian. "Fine. Let's go."

The ride to the Blackwell Manor was filled with an awkward silence. The weight of unspoken words pressed down on them, but neither Luna nor Killian spoke. Elijah, on the other hand, had his arms crossed and looked as though he was mentally preparing himself for battle.

The Blackwell Manor loomed ahead—an imposing, elegant estate that screamed wealth and tradition. The wrought-iron gates opened smoothly as their car approached, revealing a beautifully maintained driveway lined with ancient oak trees.

Luna pressed her lips together. She had been here before, but stepping into this house as Killian's wife—albeit in name only—felt vastly different.

Killian parked the car, and before anyone could say anything, the grand double doors of the estate swung open. A middle-aged woman with graying blonde hair and bright blue eyes rushed forward.

"Luna!"

Before Luna could react, Margaret Blackwell, Killian's mother, pulled her into a tight embrace. "Oh, sweetheart, it's been so long! Look at you! You're even more beautiful than I remember."

Luna stiffened for a moment before allowing herself to relax slightly. Despite everything, Margaret had always been kind.

"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Blackwell," Luna said softly.

Margaret pulled back, feigning an exaggerated frown. "None of that 'Mrs. Blackwell' nonsense. It's Mother to you, young lady."

Killian's father, a broad-shouldered man with a dignified air, stepped forward with a nod. "Luna, it's been a while. I'm glad you're here."

"Thank you, Mr.—I mean, Father," Luna corrected herself quickly, earning an approving smile from him.

Elijah muttered under his breath, "And now for the real test."

As if on cue, a cold voice sliced through the warm reunion. "So this is the woman who managed to worm her way back into the family."

Luna turned to see an elderly man standing at the top of the grand staircase. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes bore down on her with clear disapproval. Richard Blackwell, Killian's grandfather.

The air turned icy.

Luna met his gaze head-on, refusing to cower under his scrutiny. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Blackwell."

Richard scoffed. "Is it? We'll see about that."

Killian tensed beside her. "Grandfather—"

"Killian, I'd like a word with you. Alone." Richard's gaze flickered toward Luna briefly before dismissing her entirely. "Your wife can entertain herself in the meantime."

Luna clenched her fists, but she refused to let him get under her skin. Killian hesitated, glancing at her, but she gave him a small nod.

"I'll be fine," she murmured.

With a sigh, Killian followed his grandfather up the staircase, disappearing down the hall.

Luna turned to Margaret, who was already smiling in a way that suggested she had no intention of letting Richard ruin the moment. "Come, dear. You must be exhausted from the trip. Let's have some tea while the men talk."

Luna forced a smile. "That sounds lovely."

Elijah leaned toward her and whispered, "You're about to get ambushed with family gossip, just so you know."

Luna sighed. "Wonderful."

As she followed Margaret toward the sitting room, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just stepped into an entirely different battlefield. One that had nothing to do with Adrian, but everything to do with her place in Killian Blackwell's world.

And she wasn't sure which was more dangerous.