Chapter 0537
+25 BONUS
Camille and Emma arrived back at the house. Camille was quick to question Greta about the man who had left moments before. Greta, with her usual bluntness, replied, Ethan’s grandfather was here, but honestly, I didn’t understand much of what happened.”
Camille and Emma exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of confusion and worry.
“Why do you say that, Greta?” Camille asked, her tone slightly apprehensive.
“Well,” Greta began, “the missus and the man hugged for a long time and then went into the study for quite a while. I don’t know what to think…” Greta added, looking genuinely puzzled.
“Don’t jump to conclusions, Greta,” Emma interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe your eyesight is playing tricks on you. Go and prepare us some relaxing jasmine tea, would you? And by the way, do you know where Valerie is?”
“Yes, Mrs. Emma, she’s in the study,” Greta replied, before heading off to make the tea.
Both women immediately made their way to the study, clearly sensing that something unusual had occurred. They needed to find out for themselves. Opening the door, they found Valerie sitting on a divan where she often liked to read. Her face was wet with tears, and she sat in silence.
Camille moved to embrace her. Valerie, startled by the gesture, looked up at the two women and quickly wiped her face, trying to compose herself.
“Did you get to the school on time?” Valerie asked, attempting to sound nonchalant as she dried her eyes.
“Yes, dear, but that’s not why we’re here,” Camille said firmly. “Valerie, who was the man who just left the house?”
“What man?” Valerie responded nervously, her voice unsteady.
“Ethan’s grandfather,” Camille pressed, her doubt growing
“Well… why does that matter?” Valerie stammered. “He came to check on John. When I told him John was at school, he left.”
“Oh, I see… Are you sure that’s all it was?” Camille asked, her suspicion deepening.
“Yes! Why all the questions, Camille?”
“Look at yourself, Valerie! That’s why!”
Emma, sensing the tension, decided to step in. “Camille, darling, go see Greta and have her bring us that jasmine tea with honey. Valerie needs something to stabilize her. She’s pale, and these pregnancy hormones are probably playing havoc with her emotions. Off you go now!”
“Fine,” Camille muttered. “Would you like some as well?”
“Yes, please,” Emma said calmly. “Bring enough for all of us. We’ll need it–this might take a while.”
With a reluctant nod, Camille left the room, leaving Emma alone with Valerie. Years of experience told Emma that something serious had happened.
When the door clicked shut, Emma wasted no time. “Mary, dear, now tell me–what happened? You’re not like this for no reason. I know you, and I know something is going on. If you don’t let it out, it will weigh on the babies, and they’re not strong enough for that yet.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0537
Valerie sniffled, her voice trembling. “Emma, I’m trying to stay calm, but I just can’t today. I’m sorry.”
“I know, I know. Let me guess–this is about Peter, isn’t it? Am I right?”
“Emma! How could you say that?” Valerie exclaimed, though her tone betrayed her.
“Sweetheart, the man who left this house was Peter, wasn’t it? Am I wrong? I may be old, but I’m not blind. I’ve known that man since he was a baby. I recognize the way he walks, the way he carries himself. It was him, wasn’t it?”
Valerie finally broke. “Emma… He’s alive! He didn’t die! And I… I don’t know what to do!”
“Well, I imagine you hugged him, kissed him, and then let him go. Isn’t that what happened?”
“Emma, that’s so cruel,” Valerie said, her voice breaking again.
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