The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 65

Two days later, Annelise made a grand show of asking Lizzie for the morning off.

Her excuse was perfectly reasonable.

"Lizzie, the anniversary of my parents' passing is the day after tomorrow. I'd like to go back to their old house early to clean up and get things ready."

As she spoke, Hackett happened to be walking downstairs. He was still wearing the white dress shirt from an overnight surgery, faint dark circles under his eyes.

Hearing her request, he paused, his gaze landing on her with a complex expression.

"I'll go with you," he said, his voice a bit raspy.

Annelise looked up at him and smiled.

It was her usual gentle smile, but with a faint, imperceptible distance.

"That's okay," she shook her head softly. "You just got off surgery and must be exhausted. You should get some rest. I can manage on my own; it's nothing major."

She declined him so naturally, with such apparent consideration, that no one could possibly find fault in it.

Lizzie waved a hand impatiently, signaling her approval.

Sitting at the dining table, Clarissa slowly sipped her milk without saying a word, though her pretty eyes darted back and forth between Annelise and Hackett, a dark calculation brewing in her gaze.

Taking Harriet with her, Annelise got into one of the Lehman family cars.

The driver asked where they were heading.

She recited the address loud and clear.

18 Sycamore Lane, West End.

The Sargent Residence.

It was an older residential complex, its red brick walls overgrown with green ivy, and the air carried that relaxed, slightly decayed atmosphere unique to the old side of town.

Annelise's parents had always preferred peace and quiet.

Even when the Sargent family was at its peak, they had never moved to the so-called affluent neighborhoods, choosing to stay right here.

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