The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 108

Garnett was the first to react. He shot Sigrid a warning glare, then forcibly pulled Lavinia out of Saul's grip, dragging her back to stand dutifully beside him as they waited for his grandmother to descend.

Lavinia calmly peeled his fingers off her wrist.

Judith walked down the sweeping staircase, her steps slow but incredibly steady. Maeve trailed closely behind her.

"Grandma, you're awake?" Garnett hurried forward to offer his arm. Judith completely ignored him and walked straight past to take her seat.

"Ms. Sloan. What a rare occasion. It's been a long time," Judith said coolly, offering a bare-minimum greeting.

Sigrid quickly forced a polite smile. "Hello, Judith. I used to come play here all the time when I was little. Do you remember?"

"Yes. Which was a very long time ago," Judith replied, her tone glacial. She didn't even offer a welcome.

Sigrid's lips pressed together, and she stood there awkwardly.

Judith waved her hand toward Lavinia. "Lavinia, come sit next to me." She then turned to Saul and Charley. "Saul, Mr. Sheffield, please, have a seat."

Everyone sat down—except Garnett. Judith hadn't offered him a seat, and he didn't dare sit without permission. He stood there rigidly, as if being punished. Sigrid stood right next to him.

Ironically, it made the two of them look like the actual couple.

Judith patted Lavinia's hand affectionately, then smiled at Saul. "Saul, I won't hide it from you. In this house, I'm just as much of an outsider as anyone. This massive family? I don't share a single drop of blood with any of them. If I ever decide I've had enough, I could pack up and walk out the door tomorrow."

"Grandma, don't say that. You raised me yourself," Garnett murmured softly.

Judith let out a cold scoff. "Glad to know you actually remember that."

Garnett lowered his head and stayed silent. Sigrid watched him in shock; she had never seen Garnett bow his head to anyone in his life.

Maeve went upstairs and quickly returned with a thick folder.

Judith spoke clearly. "My maiden family, the Gilmores, was once one of the four founding families of this region. We've lost a lot of our wealth over the years, but there's still a substantial foundation left."

She paused, looking directly at Lavinia.

"Lavinia, I've gathered what's left of the Gilmore family's assets. It's not an empire, but it's more than enough to protect you. I had Maeve set up a family trust. The sole beneficiary of the Gilmore Family Trust is you."

Lavinia sat there, completely paralyzed. Saul was just as shell-shocked. Charley, who was lifting his teacup to take a sip, paused for a fraction of a second before setting it back down steadily.

Garnett's eyes turned dark and unfathomable. Sigrid's fists clenched so tightly her knuckles popped, her lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line.

A heavy silence descended on the living room. The grandfather clock continued to tick, loud and steady, acting as if the world hadn't just tilted on its axis.