I walked into Old Mrs. Sterling's room with Philip and Arthur close behind. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the elderly woman's frail form. Despite her physical weakness, her eyes were sharp and alert as we entered.
"Good morning, Grandmother," Arthur said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it.
Old Mrs. Sterling smiled at him, then caught sight of me and her smile widened. "Elara! Come sit by me, dear."
I moved toward her bed, taking the chair closest to her. She reached for my hand, her fingers cool and papery against mine.
"Philip tells me you're going to visit the Beaumonts today," she said.
I nodded. "Yes, I'm going to see Clara at the hospital."
At the mention of the Beaumont name, something shifted in Old Mrs. Sterling's expression. A shadow passed over her face, her grip on my hand tightening.
"Beaumont," she repeated, her voice suddenly strained. "Are you dealing with the Beaumonts, Arthur?"
