547 Dr. Whitaker sighed softly, standing and moving around the desk. “Please, Lady Margaret, sit down. You’re exhausted.” “I don’t want to sit!” she snapped. “I want to know what more I can do. I have tried kindness. I have tried patience. I have begged him to trust me, to remember me, and he won’

549 James’ brows furrowed, his suspicion only deepening. “You expect me to believe you care about Darwin?” “Why wouldn’t I?” Julius returned, his tone almost amused. “We’re family, aren’t we? Blood binds us, no matter what you think of me, James.” James took another step forward, the tension in h

551 Julius straightened, his chest puffed with pride as he turned toward James, a smug smirk pulling at the corners of his lips. “You see?” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with triumph. “I told you, James. Darwin remembers me.” He gestured subtly toward the sleeping man. “The proof speaks for

553 Their eyes met, the air thick with tension. James’ expression was unreadable, but his voice, when he finally spoke, was cold and steady. “What are you doing to him, Julius?” Julius’ smile didn’t falter. If anything, it widened. “Helping,” he replied smoothly. “What else would I be doing?” J

555 James spun around sharply, the parchment still in hand. Julius stood in the doorway, silhouetted by the light of the hall. His smile was gone, replaced by a dangerous stillness. “I could ask you the same thing,” James shot back, hiding the note behind his back as he stepped toward Julius. “You