Chapter 38 Ashes of the House
++8 Pearls
A chill wind swept past her ears as the black car slowly pulled away. But Adeline’s gaze never left the heavy front gates. Once, those gates had marked the entrance to her home. Now, they stood like a cold, silent barrier that shut her out from everything inside.
Kelly came hurrying out, her face wearing a professional smile, though something complicated flickered behind her eyes. “Miss, you’re back.”
“How’s Grandma?” Adeline’s tone was calm, but her eyes searched Kelly’s face closely.
Kelly hesitated, then lowered her gaze. “The madam’s resting. Her health hasn’t been great these days. The doctor says she needs a lot of quiet.”
Adeline’s brow knit for just a second, then smoothed out. “I won’t disturb her.” Her voice remained even, but a shadow of sadness passed through her eyes. She stepped inside with her back straight, like a blade.
Inside the living room, the lights blazed bright. Eden was pacing restlessly by the tall windows. When she heard footsteps, she turned and rushed forward.
“Miss! You’re finally back–I thought-”
“Thought I wouldn’t come back?” Adeline’s smile was faint and bloodless.
Eden froze for a moment. “I’m just worried.. this is still the Layton family.”
“So!” Adeline raised an eyebrow. “You think I shouldn’t be here?”
“No! I didn’t mean it like that.” Eden shook her head. “I just don’t want them to hurt you again.”
“Don’t worry.” Adeline’s voice was light, casual. “I’m not the same girl they used to push around.”
Eden looked into her eyes. They were cold now. Steady. The wide–eyed girl from three years ago was long gone. She nodded. silently.
They walked side by side down the second–floor corridor, their footsteps sharp in the silence. Then Adeline stopped and turned.
“You should leave the Layton family.”
Eden blinked. “Why?”
“Because this place is a swamp, and you’ll drown in it. Especially now. I’m about to marry Justin. You know better than I do what that means.
“But Ms. Adeline-”
“Don’t call me that.” Her voice was firm. “I’m not the Laytons‘ daughter anymore.”
Eden bit her lip, eyes misting over. “I’m sorry. But I’m not going anywhere. I’ve already decided. Whatever happens, I’m with you. Even if it means walking into hell.”
Moonlight poured in through the windows, casting their shadows long and alone across the floor. Adeline sat at the window,
aring into the night.
A commotion started downstairs.
Servants rushed about, hauling in lavish engagement gifts–antiques, jewelry, calligraphy, all of it from the Kyree family. The mountain of treasures filled the living room, making it feel cramped despite its size.
Chapter 38 Ashes of the House
48 Pearls
Adeline had just reached the top of the stairs. She stopped, looked at Michelle, and said flatly, “If you’re jealous, you marry him instead.”
Michelle’s face turned pale. She forced a shaky laugh. “Are you serious? Marry some sickly rich guy? No thanks. I’m not that self–sacrificing.”
“Oh!” Adeline’s eyes narrowed. “So you knew he wasn’t well. Then why did you tell him where I was? Why help him chase me around?”
Silence fell like a stone. All eyes turned to Michelle.
She froze for a second, then pulled herself together. “I was trying to help you,” she said sweetly. “Mr. Justin clearly likes you. I just thought he deserved a shot. I wanted to give him the chance to get closer to you.”
Adeline let out a quiet laugh. “Closer to me–or tighter control over me? So you could step aside looking clean?”
Diana’s face soured. She rushed forward. “That’s enough, both of you! Michelle’s still young. Don’t hold it against her.” She turned to Adeline with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “As for Mr. Justin, he’s not seriously ill. This marriage is good for all of us. You should be grateful.”
