Whispers of an Heir

Night had fallen when Miriam sat in her bedroom, staring at her phone. She had replayed the comments from her friends all afternoon. Every word felt like poison. She didn’t want to admit it, but the seed of doubt was planted: what if Leona couldn’t give the Ashbourne family an heir?

The phone vibrated. Unknown number. Miriam hesitated for half a second, then answered.

“Mrs. Winslow,” Ronan’s calm