The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 249

Garnett raced straight from the tea house, only to be stopped at the imposing gates of the Gilmore Estate.

Maeve personally came out to deliver the rejection. "Mr. Harper, she is furious right now. Why invite her wrath? Give her a few days to cool down before trying again."

"Maeve, she has completely misunderstood my intentions. I have to explain myself immediately. I can't let this fester in her heart," Garnett pleaded.

Maeve studied him. She had watched him grow up—brilliant, capable, but fatally arrogant, always looking down on everyone else. This was the first time she had ever seen him look so panicked, so desperate for a favor.

"Alright," she relented with a sigh. "I'll go in and pass along the message. But I'm warning you now—whether she sees you or not is entirely up to her. You know how stubborn she can be."

"Thank you. I owe you," Garnett replied earnestly.

Maeve shook her head and disappeared back inside.

In the drawing room, Lavinia was quietly keeping Judith company, helping her arrange a fresh vase of flowers.

Maeve approached softly. "Judith, he is waiting by the front gates. He's begging to see you."

"Tell him to leave." Judith didn't even look up from her hydrangeas.

Lavinia hesitated, gently testing the waters. "Grandma... maybe I should go out and see what he wants? Emotions were running high back there. Maybe he just didn't get the chance to explain his side properly."

"You are not going anywhere near him either." The heartbreak was evident in Judith's weary voice. "Stay right here, Lavinia. Just help me with these flowers."

Lavinia's heart ached for her.

She was nearly eighty years old. She had spent her entire life doing good for others, only to end up without a single biological child to rely on—and now, the grandson she raised had stabbed her in the back for a payout.

The old woman had just suffered a devastating emotional blow. What she needed right now was distraction and the quiet comfort of presence.

Lavinia fell silent and resumed trimming the stems. Maeve pulled up a chair and joined them around the heavy mahogany table. The three women shared light, idle chatter, completely avoiding the toxic subjects of the Harper family or the fortune.

***

By 10:00 PM, Garnett was still standing outside the iron gates.

Maeve had gone back inside two hours ago and never returned. When he tried calling her, the phone went straight to voicemail.

He stood in the oppressive silence, utterly defeated, but entirely unwilling to leave.

"Garnett!"

Sigrid grabbed his arm again. "She won't! She could never abandon you. The two of you are blood. She's just been temporarily brainwashed by Lavinia. Give it some time, and she'll realize you're her only real family."

Garnett's eyes shifted. He turned his head slowly, locking his cold, unreadable gaze on her face.

Under that piercing stare, Sigrid shifted uncomfortably.

"What is it? Did I say something wrong?" she asked sweetly.

"You never seem to miss an opportunity to drag Lavinia's name through the mud, do you?" he stated coldly.

Sigrid froze.

She stared at him, genuinely stunned. After a long moment, she stammered, "I mean... am I wrong? After everything she's done to destroy you, you're still defending her?"

Garnett looked away, refusing to answer.

Soft footsteps echoed from the other side of the wall. Garnett immediately straightened his posture, dropping his arms.

With a heavy *creak*, the massive gates finally cracked open. Lavinia stepped out into the night.