The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 253

Oblivious to the sudden tension, Florence smiled warmly and reached for Sigrid's hand. "Sigrid, this is Ms. Joplin and Mr. Sheffield. I was out buying groceries when my chest pain flared up. These two wonderful people saved me and brought me home. You absolutely have to thank them."

Sigrid looked at Lavinia, her lips twitching into something that barely resembled a smile. "Thank you."

Lavinia returned the polite, hollow gesture. "You're welcome. You're very lucky today, Florence. Just remember to keep your medicine with you from now on."

Garnett remained rooted to the spot, entirely silent.

His eyes were practically glued to Lavinia. She was wearing a light-colored knit cardigan today, her hair flowing freely over her shoulders. She looked so remarkably peaceful, blending perfectly into the quiet elegance of the old courtyard.

His mouth opened slightly. "La—"

"We just bumped into each other on the street," Lavinia cut in swiftly, her tone brisk and detached. "We didn't come to visit. Since you're having a family dinner, we'll get out of your hair."

She smiled briefly and reached out to tug at Charley's sleeve. "Charley, let's go."

Charley didn't move immediately. He shot Garnett a long, unreadable look, then shifted his gaze to Sigrid.

Finally, he turned and followed Lavinia toward the door.

As he passed Garnett, he cast one last sideways glance at him but kept his mouth shut.

Garnett stared right back. The silent collision of their gazes sparked dangerously in the air.

Lavinia was already stepping over the threshold. Charley trailed closely behind her, and soon, their silhouettes vanished into the bright sunlight flooding the alley.

Garnett stood perfectly still, staring at the blinding white light at the doorway for a very long time.

Florence's voice finally pulled him out of his trance. "Garnett, take a seat! Why are you just standing there?"

He blinked, snapping back to reality. He lowered himself into a wooden chair, picked up a teacup, and slowly set it back down.

***

The alley seemed to stretch on forever.

Lavinia walked briskly ahead, keeping a steady pace until she finally stopped after putting a good distance between them and the house.

She turned around and looked back at the ornate eaves and gray-tiled roof of the historic estate.

"Thirty-eight million," Lavinia chuckled faintly. "It's a beautiful house. I suppose it's worth it."

Charley stood next to her, watching her closely.

A long time ago, she used to sit in his car exactly like that. Back then, he was the one she looked at. Now, those smiles belonged to someone else.

He stood at the entrance of the alley, his fingers curling into tight fists.

***

Back inside the Sloan residence, Florence had already laid out an impressive feast.

She placed a piece of tender chicken into Garnett's bowl.

"Garnett, whatever happened between our parents has nothing to do with you. Please don't let it weigh on you. As long as you treat my Sigrid well, that's all I need to know," Florence said softly.

Garnett gripped his silverware but made no move to eat.

Sigrid cast a nervous glance at him before looking down at her plate.

Completely missing the suffocating silence between them, Florence smiled happily and ladled a bowl of soup for Garnett.

"Next year is supposed to be wonderful for weddings. Have you two thought about picking a date?" Florence asked.