The old lady sighed softly. "This girl... covering herself entirely like that while she sleeps, isn't she afraid of suffocating?"
She instructed the staff to quietly light the incense, which was known for its excellent soothing effects.
Juniper remained completely tense, but since she was hidden beneath the covers, the old lady didn't notice a thing.
The old lady stayed in the room for barely a minute. Once the incense was lit, she left.
Juniper was as paralyzed as if she'd been struck by a spell. Only when she was certain the room was completely silent did she gently lift a sliver of the blanket.
The incense smelled wonderful. The room was empty, and the window was wide open.
Did Nelson jump out?
Anger burned in her chest, but she had no way to vent it. She felt both humiliated and furious.
The moment Nelson landed outside, he spotted Alistair standing nearby.
Alistair sat on a stool, looking as though he knew exactly what had been happening upstairs. "Does Mr. Saint enjoy acting like a cat burglar in his own home?"
Nelson landed steadily on his feet, not looking embarrassed in the slightest. He walked over and took a seat. "Alistair, I know exactly what you're plotting and what you're investigating. You'd better pray I don't uncover the truth before you do. Otherwise, you'll have a very hard time explaining yourself to my grandmother."
"Is that what you used to convince the old lady to stop playing matchmaker between me and Juniper?"
"Do you honestly think you deserve to be with Juniper?"
"I don't. But you think you do, constantly forcing her against her will? Haven't you noticed that she's miserable whenever you're around? When you do those things, do you ever even ask if she's willing?"
Hit where it hurt, Nelson violently grabbed Alistair by the collar.
The old lady happened to witness the scene and immediately swung her cane at him. "Reel in that rotten temper of yours!"
Nelson slowly released the collar, glaring at Alistair with icy indifference.
Alistair simply smiled and looked at the old lady. "Is June asleep?"


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