Naomi was not greeted by Lucas, but by Margaret Hale, the head housekeeper. Her eyes were sharp, her voice colder than the storm. She sneered at Naomi’s wet shoes and warned her that this was not a charity house. Before Naomi could reply, a tired male voice cut in from the staircase. Lucas descended slowly, asking Margaret to be kind. When his eyes met Naomi’s, his tone softened. He explained that his twins had suffered deeply since their mother’s death and that the house needed peace. Naomi promised to do her best, unaware that her presence would soon change everything.