Morning arrived quietly at the Rochefort residence. Winter light filtered through the tall kitchen windows, pale and steady, reflecting off the thin layer of frost that still clung to the garden outside. The lawn remained undisturbed except for the narrow path the staff had cleared earlier that morning.
Inside, the kitchen was warm. The long wooden breakfast table had already been set. Plates, fruit, and a small basket of toast sat between cups of coffee and juice. The quiet domestic rhythm of the house had returned after the previous evening's discussions.
Leo and Lily occupied the far side of the table. Lily sat with one knee tucked under her chair as she finished a piece of toast, while Leo remained beside her with his tablet resting neatly next to his plate. His attention shifted frequently between the screen and the adults across the table.
