Ray let out a sharp breath, his body shaking with barely contained fury.
"And Helga," he spat, eyes burning. "Your so-called friend. The one you called sister. Do you even know what she went through?"
Esme felt her throat tighten, but she couldn't look away.
"The news of your death—" Ray's voice broke, his jaw clenching. "It destroyed her. She cried until she had no more tears left. And then she became silent. Completely silent. She wouldn't even talk to her own husband or her child."
He took a shuddering breath before stepping closer, his hands curling into fists at his sides.
"And Aaron?" His voice dropped, raw and hollow. "He worked like a maniac. He buried himself in the company, not stopping, not resting, not living. Because coming home—" Ray laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Coming home meant facing the reality that you weren't there anymore."
Esme's lips trembled, but she had no words.
