?Chapter 1040:


    A quiet worry tugged at her the whole way. She half-expected the men from Erebus to trail her again, but the road stayed empty, the ck car nowhere in sight.


    Only then did she release a soft breath, the tension easing from her chest.


    About thirty minutester, she parked in front of the Walsh residence, which stood exactly as she remembered. After taking a deep breath, she picked up her purse, got out of the car, and pressed the doorbell.


    The door swung open to reveal Vera, the Walsh family’s longtime housekeeper. Her tired face brightened the moment she saw Ste. “Mrs.—oh, Ms. Russell. You’re here. Mrs. Margie Walsh has been expecting you.”


    Vera had spoken out of habit, addressing Ste as Mrs. Walsh before quickly correcting herself. Realizing the slip, she lowered her gaze with a shy smile, her cheeks warming in quiet embarrassment.


    Ste smiled politely, unfazed by the mistake.


    When she stepped into the living room, her eyes instantly found the figure seated on the sofa, and her expression clouded at once.


    Marc was there, sitting close to his grandmother, carefully peeling an apple with steady hands.


    But wait—hadn’t his grandmother said Marc wouldn’t being today?


    A faint trace of irony stirred in her chest, though she kept it well hidden.


    Just then, Margie turned her head and caught sight of her, her face lighting up with warmth. “Ste, you’re here! Come closer, dear. Let me take a good look at you. My goodness, you’ve lost so much weight!”


    Ste quietly obeyed, taking a seat beside the old woman while pretending not to notice Marc’s lingering stare. “Margie, you look lively today.”


    “I suppose I am. Maybe I’m just thrilled because I knew you’d being.” Margie sped Ste’s hand gently, her voiceced with concern. “You must have been keeping yourself busy with work, haven’t you?”


    Ste replied with a smile, “It’s been all right. The workload isn’t too heavy, and the pay’s better than what I used to earn.”


    Hearing that, Margie’s expression softened into a pleased smile.


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    “I’m d to know that. Tell me, how are things going with the Briggs family?”


    Despite her age, Margie remained well-informed, always keeping up with thetest happenings in Choria through the news.


    At the mention of the Briggs family, Ste’s face tensed for a fleeting moment before she forced a polite smile. “Yes, everything’s going smoothly.”


    There was no need to trouble Margie with recent events. The less she knew, the better she could rest easy.


    Ste chose her words carefully, keeping the conversation pleasant and light. But Marc, clearly displeased with her guarded reply, decided to stir trouble. “Grandma, she’s only saying that so you won’t worry. The truth is, she and William had a fight. That man tricked her!”


    Ste’s eyes went cold at once, though she forced herself to stay calm for Margie’s sake.


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