The room fell into a heavy silence.
Lisa didn't speak. Neither did anyone else. Even Victoria, who had stood so confidently just minutes ago, now looked like she had seen a ghost. Her hands trembled. Her lips parted slightly as if to say something—but no words came out.
And then, a strange, subtle sound broke the stillness in her mind.
It was Cora, her eyes were wide—far too wide. Her breathing shallow, and her lips trembling as she slowly turned toward her father, who was still kneeling in quiet shame. Then her gaze moved to the others Abigail father. Her brother.
All kneeling. All silent.
Her legs nearly gave out beneath her.
Her heart started pounding in her chest. The realization settled in her like a boulder, heavy and suffocating.
It was because of her, everything was because of her.
She, Cora, the woman she used to mock—the quiet one, the overlooked one—was now the center of this storm.
The reason behind their fear, the force that made grown men fall to their knees.
