She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 85

Hulda had always made a point of bringing him a late-night snack. It was usually a warm, stomach-soothing drink and a few of his favorite pastries.

She would always knock first, wait for his permission, and then slip in as quietly as possible, terrified of disrupting his focus.

Herbert had grown completely accustomed to the routine. Seeing the familiar tray and drink, his brain immediately assumed Hulda had come home.

"Thanks," he murmured softly. But when he finally looked up, he was met with Sylvie Sinclair's pretty face. "It's you?"

He glanced reflexively toward the hallway behind her. "Where's Hulda?"

Sylvie's smile froze. The bright anticipation in her eyes shattered the second the words left his mouth.

Standing right in front of him, she had a perfect vantage point. She hadn't missed the sudden, unmistakable spark of warmth in his eyes when he saw the tray, nor the flash of deep disappointment—and subtle reproach—when he realized it was her.

He was blaming her.

Blaming her for being the one bringing him food instead of Hulda.

Beneath the desk, out of his sight, Sylvie's hands balled into tight fists. She forced them to relax, pasting a sweet smile back onto her face. "I noticed you barely touched your dinner, Mr. Jewell. I was worried you'd be hungry, so I asked Callie what you usually like."

She carefully moved the cup and the plate from the tray, arranging them within easy reach. "Callie taught me how to make these. It's my first time trying, so I hope it's to your liking."

Under Sylvie's expectant, wide-eyed gaze, Herbert picked up the mug and took a sip. The temperature was perfect—warm enough to be comforting, but not scalding.

Yet, even though it tasted practically identical, he couldn't shake the feeling that Hulda's was somehow better.

"It's good. Thank you for the effort." Herbert set the mug down after a single sip.

Sylvie could read the strained politeness in his voice. It was the exact same expression he'd worn when she had made him breakfast pastries days ago. It was nothing but obligatory comfort to keep her from feeling embarrassed.

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