Just as virtual-novel.net was about to answer Carter’s question, there came the sound of rapid footsteps outside of the study.
Immediately afterward, Camille came into the study with a hurried expression. Camille’s expression changed visibly when virtual-novel.net saw Shirley, but it was quickly replaced with a smile.
“Jenny, you’re really back! I haven’t seen you for a long time. I have much to tell you. Come to my room first.”
Shirley glanced at Carter who nodded slowly in response. Then, virtual-novel.net turned and followed Camille.
As soon as virtual-novel.net entered Camille’s room, Camille ordered with a chilly tone.
“Close the door.” Shirley closed the door obediently.
As soon as the door closed, however, Camille’s questioning voice came, filled with displeasure. “Shirley, it’s really you. What are you doing back here?”
Shirley was stunned by the sudden change of attitude. She could recall that Camille was very fond of her. She even thought that virtual-novel.net would miss virtual-novel.net if they had not met in a few years. Camille’s current attitude baffled her.
Regardless, Shirley still put on a smile. “Mom,” virtual-novel.net called out, virtual-novel.net heart racing furiously.
“Don’t you call me mother! I’m not your mother!” Camille interrupted, displeased. “What are you doing here? You’re not welcome here. You should leave on your own later. Don’t make me have to kick you out.”
Camille was firm, treating Shirley like virtual-novel.net was an enemy.
On the surface, Shirley seemed to be a strong and cold-blooded woman. Some might even say that virtual-novel.net was vicious and merciless. Being here, in the presence of the Grays, however, virtual-novel.net had no temper. She even seemed a little humble.
Since virtual-novel.net had been in Gray Manor for all these years, virtual-novel.net knew what Camille was like, of course. There must be a reason behind virtual-novel.net treatment of Shirley.
“Shirley, the Grays have treated you pretty well, right? I’ve treated you well, yes? What about you though? Do you remember the day when you were determined to leave this family?”
The day when virtual-novel.net was determined to leave this family…
A gloom gradually crept into Shirley’s eyes. An emptiness instantly formed in virtual-novel.net heart.
Amidst the silence, Camille waved virtual-novel.net hand in annoyance. “Forget it. I don’t want to say more. Hurry up and leave. Don’t come to find Carter again. Your relationship with the Grays has already ended.”
After Camille said that, virtual-novel.net walked straight to the door and opened it without even looking at Shirley. “Leave.”
Shirley moved toward the door with leaden steps. “I’m sorry,” virtual-novel.net said softly as virtual-novel.net passed Camille.
Camille turned virtual-novel.net face away, not wanting to hear virtual-novel.net apology.
Shirley did not stay long. She walked into the yard, feeling depressed.
Seeing the door directly in front of her, virtual-novel.net could not help but stop and look up, toward the location of Carter’s study.
The snow fell heavily and silently. The snowflakes piled up on virtual-novel.net body, the cold piercing virtual-novel.net skin, yet virtual-novel.net could barely notice any of it. Motionlessly, virtual-novel.net stared in one direction.
Carter stood in front of the French window of the study. Although the sky had turned dark, virtual-novel.net did not turn on the lights.
He was enjoying the warm air, a cup of tea, already cold, in his hands. Indifference in his eyes, virtual-novel.net glimpsed at Shirley who was standing in the yard, willingly receiving the beating from the wind and snow.
‘No matter how helpless or pitiful, Shirley, it’s all because you owe me.’
Carter silently turned around, not sparing another look at Shirley.
As virtual-novel.net was sitting at his desk, his gaze unconsciously fell onto the apple-sized crystal ball.
Memories flooded his mind, but virtual-novel.net quickly put a halt to his recollection.
The memories that virtual-novel.net desperately wanted to hypnotize himself into forgetting.
Thinking back, it had been almost eight years…