Christopher remained seated long after Charlton's departure.The faint hum of the city bled through the tall windows — carriage wheels, distant engines, the muffled rhythm of Windsor's heartbeat.
He hadn't expected Charlton to come to him directly. That had been the surprise.But what pleased him more — what settled into his chest like a private satisfaction — was confirmation.
The way Charlton's composure had faltered at the mention of Serena. The flicker in his eyes, brief but unmistakable.
So it was her.
He guessed because of curiosity. He had known because of coincidence. After all, he had long wanted Serena before Charlton even confessed.
Now, he had clear confirmation, from Charlton's own admittance no less.
The woman Charlton had once described — so many years ago, over the first lazy beginnings of friendship — was no one else but Serena.
