The matter had been resolved, but it left a bad taste-these sorts of things were always considered inauspicious, and to let it spiral like this felt, to Phelps, deeply disrespectful to their ancestors.

He gave everyone in the Lawson family a harsh scolding, making it clear that if anything like this happened again, he wouldn't let it slide.

Afterward, a sense of discontent toward Jessica lingered throughout the family.

If she had just stayed home like she was supposed to, none of this would have happened.

But with the patriarch still seething, nobody dared voice their frustrations openly.

What should have been a cheerful family gathering for the festival had turned into a day shrouded in gloom, the atmosphere tense and unsettled.

Timothy lost his appetite for lunch entirely. With Jessica absent, he simply told Henry to stay at the old house for now.

Leaving the Lawson estate, Timothy got into his car and dialed Jessica's number.

She didn't answer.

He gripped his phone so tightly his knuckles went white. After a moment, he set it aside, started the engine, and headed home to The Gilded Whisper Estates.

Inside, he unlocked the safe and retrieved the pearl necklace and brooch Secretary Allen had recently redeemed for him.

by the jeweler's boutique were all stored safely at

chosen and bought specifically for Jessica-was, he believed, perfect for

time to return these things to their rightful

he'd

had been at home, none of this

devoted herself to the Lawson

when she came back to the Lawsons, people complained she

a single person had bothered to prepare the

Jessica's family was all gone, he'd never once accompanied her

necklace and

past a flower shop, he

supplies, and

offerings that morning, Secretary Allen had called to report he couldn't reach Mrs. Lawson; Timothy told him not to bother coming back

called Secretary Allen

you?" he

Mrs. Lawson's family home," Allen replied,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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