The questions multiplied.
Emma briefly wondered whether the matter involved money, inheritance, or some forgotten legal arrangement.
Then another possibility entered her mind.
Lucas.
The name was one she rarely allowed herself to think about.
Lucas was Sophie's biological father.
For years, Emma had understood that he and his family were no longer part of their lives.
She had built her future around that reality.
She did not expect anything from him.
She had never wanted to depend on promises that might be broken or apologies that might never arrive.
But something about Elisabeth's wording made the past feel suddenly close.
That evening, Emma tried to behave normally.
She prepared dinner and asked Sophie about her revision.
Sophie was studying for examinations and making plans for university.
Her bedroom was filled with textbooks, notes, and reminders about application deadlines.
When Emma mentioned that she had an appointment the following morning, Sophie barely looked up.
