Chapter 88:
Despite the daily visits from housekeepers who meticulously maintained its cleanliness, the castle was already immaculate. Every room, except her mother’s, shone with a pristine glow, including hers.
Ethel observed her sister as she gently wiped down their mother’s possessions one by one. Leaning against the doorway, he remarked, “This room remains untouched by anyone except myself. Dad even told the housekeepers to steer clear, but I make sure to come back and clean it every weekend.”
“You’ve handled it beautifully,” Freya replied, her gaze softening with affection.
This grand castle had been acquired when their father married their mother. He always said their mother was the fairest princess of all, deserving of a life in a majestic castle.
Memories of their times in this castle still lingered vividly in her mind.
“Mina?” Ethel’s voice broke through her reverie.
Freya set the photo album aside and looked up. “Yes, what is it?”
“It’s about Cheryl’s younger brother—Dad knows he was involved,” Ethel admitted, her tone laced with concern, especially since Freya hadn’t seen their father in three days. “He wants you to know that he supports you, whatever you decide to do, and also…”
“What else did he say?” Freya pressed, her interest piqued.
Ethel hesitated, then added, “He mentioned that Cheryl isn’t like her brother.” Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke.
She had mentioned this to her sister before, and now their father echoed the sentiment. Would her sister believe they were taking Cheryl’s side?
“Got it,” Freya said, her voice laced with casual disinterest.
𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨: 𝙜Ɐ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸬𝙘𝙤𝙢
Ethel pressed her lips together, a wave of remorse washing over her.
Before Ethel could formulate a response, Freya pressed on, her voice steady and clear. “I have a keen sense of judgment, and I don’t hastily assign blame. Assure him I’m handling it well.”
“Mina…” Ethel started, her voice tinged with concern.
“Shouldn’t you be on your way to school? Don’t you have morning classes?” Freya’s heart was full of love for her sister—and she knew Ethel felt the same.
Ethel hesitated, then closed the distance between them, enveloping Freya in a supportive hug. She murmured into her hair, “No matter the storm, you always have my shoulder.”
“I know,” Freya whispered back, tightening the embrace.
“I’ll be on my way now,” Ethel said, a warm smile tugging at her lips.
Freya watched her sister stride toward the car, then turned and headed upstairs to catch some rest.
Haunted by nocturnal musings of their mother since her return, Freya’s rest had been fitful. Despite having just awoken, the tendrils of fatigue were palpable.
“Mina,” a voice suddenly called out, halting Freya’s slow ascent up the stairs.
This time, instead of declining as usual, she gracefully joined him in the gazebo nestled within the garden for a conversation.
Hugh wrestled with a storm of emotions.
Freya, who typically shunned small talk and detested wasting time, was direct. “Do you need something?”
“Yes, there is. I’ve uncovered some details regarding the suspect in Sheila’s accident, and I’ve had a discussion with Che…” Hugh’s words faltered, his anxiety causing him to fumble.
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