‘Big Sis? Why is Yuan calling Miss Lily his big sister? I’m confused…’ Rose’s internal thoughts swirled, her gaze fixed on Lily with a perplexed expression that betrayed her lack of understanding.
Lily, sensing Rose’s puzzled stare, couldn’t help but feel bemused herself. “Is there something amusing on my face? You’re giving me quite the stare…”
“No, nothing’s on your face, Miss Lily. I just got lost in thought for a moment, pondering the situation. The news of Henry and his servant Peter’s deaths will surely stir up trouble in the village,” Rose offered an explanation for her curious gaze, skillfully deflecting Lily’s attention away from her confusion.
Lily looked at Rose thoughtfully, a hint of suspicion flickering in her eyes. Though she felt Rose might be concealing something, her explanation did hold water, making it difficult for Lily to dismiss.
“I understand… Dealing with the Turner family won’t be easy for you,” Lily replied, her voice carrying empathy.
“Absolutely! As the acting head of the village, I have to handle it and provide the Turner family with an explanation, even if it’s not something I’m looking forward to. Sigh!” Rose sighed, her concerns evident.
At that moment, Anna approached Rose, interjecting, “Considering they know their son visited and ended up dead here, you’re in for a challenging situation.”
“Leave everything to me. Didn’t I tell you to take a few days’ rest, Rose? Since their son didn’t die on our premises, and there’s no evidence of us being involved, they can’t just accuse us without solid proof. If it weren’t for your father’s friendship with Mr. Turner, I would have dealt with them long ago for their crimes in the village,” Madam Layla’s voice exuded a firm resolve, revealing a deep-seated animosity toward the Turner family.
“Exactly! You promised us, big sis, that you’d take a break from work. Let us handle this matter,” Ava chimed in, reminding Rose of her commitment to rest.
Yet, Rose remained hesitant, reluctant to entrust such a significant issue to her mother and siblings.
“Do you truly think you can manage this situation? The Turner family wields influence, especially given their merchant connections,” Rose voiced her concerns with a tinge of worry.
“Please, big sister, stop worrying. Leave this to us,” Julie spoke up, offering support to both her mother and younger sister.
“Since they are very confident about handling this situation, let them deal with the Turner family. Besides, if something were to happen, we’re more than happy to give a helping hand,” Anna reassured Rose with a gentle tone.
Rose contemplated for a moment, finding comfort in Anna’s assurance that they would intervene if necessary. With their impressive strength and mysterious abilities, there was no need for her to worry.
“Sigh! If you say so, Miss Anna…” Rose agreed, deciding to entrust the matter of Henry and Peter’s death to her mother and siblings.
Moments later, Yuan emerged from the bathroom, having enjoyed a refreshing bath that removed the traces of blood from his body. Utilizing Qi, he dried himself and swiftly changed into a fresh set of clothes.
“Now, back to where the others are. I’m sure they’re bored without me,” Yuan murmured, his reflection in the mirror confirming his well-groomed appearance.
Exiting the bedroom, Yuan made his way to the living hall, where his wives engaged in conversation with his future mother-in-law and sisters-to-be.
Sometime later, Yuan entered the living hall, greeted by the sight of his wives conversing with his future family about Henry and Peter’s demise.
‘Why are they discussing those two idiots? Even in death, they manage to cause us trouble. Sigh!’ Yuan inwardly sighed.
Mid-conversation, Anna sensed her son’s presence and beckoned him over, a warm smile gracing her face.
“Dear, you’re here! Come join me,” Anna invited Yuan, patting the seat beside her.
‘He’s truly a thoughtful brother and husband, arriving early as promised,’ Lily mused inwardly, a small smile playing on her lips as she observed Yuan’s punctuality.
“You’ve arrived earlier than expected, Yuan! You didn’t disappoint me.” Lily playfully remarked, accompanied by a giggle.
“How could I ever disappoint you? I wouldn’t dare,” Yuan responded with an easygoing smile, taking a seat next to his mother Anna.
While the rest of the Monroe family interpreted it as affectionate banter between partners, Rose’s attention remained fixed on Yuan’s handsome visage. As she compared his features to those of Anna, Grace, and Lily, a realization dawned on her: their resemblance was uncanny, as if they were siblings or shared blood.
‘They look so alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if they told me they were related, sharing the same blood… I wonder about their relationship,’ Rose speculated, pondering the dynamics that existed before Yuan’s romantic involvement with Anna, Grace, and Lily.
‘This is perplexing. I’ll have to inquire about this when I get a chance to speak to Yuan privately. If he’s comfortable, he’ll explain,’ Rose resolved inwardly, determined to learn more about the connection between Yuan, Anna, Grace, and Lily.
Some time later, Ivy, the head maid who also served as the family’s chef, entered the living hall with a teapot and small cups, carefully holding the tray in both hands. A maid trailed behind her, carrying snacks to accompany the tea.
“Madam Layla, I’ve brought tea for everyone…” Ivy’s smile was warm as she carefully placed the tray on the table.
The accompanying maid mirrored Ivy’s actions, arranging the snacks before bowing and departing from the scene.
“Ivy, why don’t you pour the tea for our esteemed guests? It’s best enjoyed while still hot,” Madam Layla suggested with a kind smile.
“Of course,” Ivy nodded, and with practiced ease, she poured tea into the cups for everyone.
“Esteemed guests, please savor the tea while it’s still warm. I’ve also prepared some snacks that pair well with it. I hope you all enjoy,” Ivy addressed Yuan and his wives as she served them.
“They look delicious. If you prepared them, they’re bound to be delightful, Miss Ivy,” Anna complimented, having tasted Ivy’s culinary skills before.
“Heheh! I couldn’t agree more,” Rose chimed in, her smile conveying her anticipation.
Before anyone could take a sip of tea, Xi Meili eagerly seized a handful of cookies and began munching them with an enthused sparkle in her eyes, seemingly unconcerned about others’ opinions.
‘She’s quite the food lover. Her appetite is something,’ Yuan observed with an amused sigh, noting Xi Meili’s endearing behavior.
“Xi Meili, take your time eating, or you might choke,” Anna advised, gently patting Xi Meili’s back with a caring smile.
Xi Meili nodded, slowing down her pace of eating.
Meanwhile, a middle-aged man walked along a path, his attention drawn to something peculiar in the distance. Two figures lay by the side of the road, resembling unconscious individuals.
“Hm? Have these two become so drunk that they passed out here? Unbelievable,” the middle-aged man muttered, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
“In any case, I should check on them. If I recognize them, I’ll inform their family. I won’t go to the trouble of taking fools like them home,” he decided aloud, motivated by goodwill as he approached the figures.
However, as he neared, his expression transformed from curiosity to sheer horror, resembling someone who had just witnessed a ghostly apparition for the first time. 𝗼𝐯𝐞𝐥．𝐜𝐨𝗺
“T-T-This is…” The middle-aged man’s voice caught in his throat, his eyes locked onto the gruesome sight before him – two lifeless bodies with severed heads.
The scene was macabre, leaving the middle-aged man wide-eyed and shocked, struggling to process the horrifying tableau. Who could commit such a ghastly act within Pinebrook village?
“Oh, dear God! What have I stumbled upon? Who could be so heartless as to decapitate these poor souls without a shred of compassion?” His voice trembled as he spoke, overwhelmed by the gruesome scene that lay before him.
“Let’s see who these two unfortunate souls are, to meet such a cruel fate,” the middle-aged man gathered his courage, taking hesitant steps forward to inspect the severed heads in an attempt to identify the bodies.
With trembling hands, he extended his arm to gently turn one of the severed heads, revealing the identities of the deceased. The moment he saw the faces, a profound shock coursed through him, leaving him speechless and aghast.
The lifeless bodies before him were none other than Henry Turner, the eldest son of the Turner family, known for his arrogance, and his servant Peter.
“H-H-How can this be? I-Is this truly Lord Turner’s son, Henry Turner, and his servant Peter? M-Murdered?” The middle-aged man’s voice wavered, disbelief clouding his eyes. It was as if he expected someone to jump out and announce it was all a cruel jest.
“This is disastrous! I can’t fathom how Lord Turner will react when he learns of his son’s demise. I shudder to even think about it,” the middle-aged man muttered fearfully.
‘I must inform Lord Turner immediately about his son’s death. If he were to discover this later and find out I had knowledge, I’d be blamed,’ the man reasoned internally. Without wasting any time, he hurriedly left the scene, his mind focused on reaching Lord Turner and delivering the devastating news.