The moment Melanie entered the Collins' Mansion, she was swiftly escorted through the long hallway to where Sir Collins was waiting. He stood as she approached, then reached out and took her hand in both of his, giving it a pat.
"Melanie, child. Are you doing okay? I want to apologize to you, but the truth is—I don't even know where to begin. Both my grandsons have wronged you, and for that, I take full responsibility. I am the one who is responsible for everything! If only..." He broke off, and then sighed and continued for a moment," But don't you worry. Bringing Saira back into all this—that was my doing, and I'll be the one to deal with it."
Melanie held his gaze for a moment, then slowly and gingerly extracted her hand from his grasp. She didn't say anything right away.
