Chapter 227

Enya Beaumont, Byron’s half-sister, born to his father and the family nurse, had a harsh beginning. Their father died soon after her birth, and the Beaumonts showed her and her mother little kindness. Byron, out of a sense of duty, gave the nurse money to start anew. Every holiday, the nurse returned, Enya in tow, requesting more funds. Byron, seeing his son’s age-mate, always relented.

After her mother's death, Byron intended to secure Enya's future with a suitable marriage. But Enya, already in love, refused, sparking a bitter feud that ended with years of silence—and Byron discovering her death. He’d been unaware of her marriage to Tyson, or her daughter's existence, until Tyson claimed Enya’s ashes, years later. The child remained missing.

Now, Max sat across from Byron, Peter (Nathaniel’s father) opposite, and William beside. Max’s youth didn't diminish his authority in the Beaumont household, where subtle rivalries simmered beneath the surface. Byron, unlike the Vanderbilts, still held tight to his power.

A servant delivered coffee. Silence hung heavy. Dozens of eyes darted between Byron and the calmly sipping Max.

“You’re here about the child again?” Byron finally asked.

The Godards had searched Harrowfell for years. The child, so young and parentless, might be dead, or adopted. They possessed only a three-month-old photo.

“Yes,” Max nodded. “We’ve found some leads.”

He'd tracked down the orphanage, but it was long shut down for abuse. The children had been relocated, but Enya’s daughter was not among them. The trail had gone cold.