The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 252

"Alright," Charley said, gripping the grocery bags securely.

On the walk back, the woman introduced herself to Lavinia as Florence Fawcett.

"Florence, it must be wonderful living in this neighborhood," Lavinia commented, trying to keep the mood light.

"It's alright," Florence said with a tired but polite smile. "My late husband's family lived in Blossom City for generations. His ancestors were prominent scholars and politicians. This house was officially designated as a protected heritage site, and the family absolutely refused to move out."

When they finally reached Florence's home, Lavinia stood there in awe.

It was a sprawling, immaculately preserved historic courtyard estate. Elaborate carvings of birds and figures still adorned the lintel over the heavy wooden doors. Though weathered by time, the sheer grandeur of the estate's original architecture was unmistakable.

A fine layer of moss clung to the slate tiles in the courtyard, and camellias bloomed quietly along the walls.

"Wow," Lavinia breathed out. "This place is breathtaking."

Florence beamed proudly. "We actually had to sell the house a few years ago. But recently, my daughter's boyfriend bought it back for us and even paid to have it restored. It's much more comfortable now."

Charley remained standing by the threshold, making no move to enter. His gaze swept over the large water basin in the center of the courtyard before he looked away.

Florence, meanwhile, had caught Lavinia's hand and couldn't stop bragging about her daughter. "Ms. Joplin, my daughter is just like you—beautiful and incredibly capable. She graduated from a top university in the States."

Lavinia listened with a polite, warm smile.

"She and her boyfriend are childhood sweethearts. Our families used to be very close, but a while back, some issues came up, and things ended on bad terms."

Florence's voice wavered slightly, a hint of sorrow bleeding into her words.

The three of them were still politely arguing in the front hall when a familiar voice drifted in from outside.

"Mom, I'm back. Look who's here!"

Footsteps approached the threshold, and two figures stepped inside, one right after the other.

It was Sigrid Sloan and Garnett Harper.

All four of them locked eyes in the main hall. For a split second, it felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of the room.

Sigrid was clinging to Garnett's arm, the bright smile she'd worn upon entering instantly freezing the moment she saw Lavinia.

Garnett's eyes darted from Lavinia to Charley, and then back to Lavinia. His jaw tightened so hard a muscle jumped in his cheek.