Darcy watched as Clyde said something to Albert Ramsy, then he turned toward Jacob and Elina. The exchange was quiet, almost careful, as if each word needed to be measured before being released into the air. Clyde's posture was straight, respectful, yet there was a tension in the set of his shoulders that Darcy did not miss. Albert listened without interruption, his weathered face unreadable, while Jacob leaned slightly forward, brows faintly drawn, and Elina's fingers tightened around the edge of her shawl. The atmosphere in the living room had shifted without anyone announcing it. Conversations in the background softened, and even the ticking of the clock seemed louder.
After a brief talk, Albert Ramsy rose to his feet and moved toward the study. His son and daughter-in-law followed. The scrape of Albert's chair against the polished floor sounded unusually sharp. Jacob placed a steadying hand at the small of Elina's back as they walked, a silent gesture of support.
