The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 45

When Lavinia woke up the next morning, she saw Garnett's suit jacket tossed over the sofa.

He had come back last night.

She walked over to the front door, pressed down on the handle, and it clicked open.

She froze for a second, then quickly rushed back to her room and dragged out the suitcase she had already packed.

She planned to stay with her family for a few days until she could find a new apartment.

Her uncle wasn't out of the hospital yet, and she hadn't wanted to burden her family with this right now, but if she stayed any longer, there was no telling if Garnett might lock her in again.

Lavinia dragged the suitcase to the entryway, bent down to change her shoes, and was just about to open the door when the doorbell rang.

Startled, she checked the peephole. Standing outside was Zenia.

What was she doing here so early in the morning?

The doorbell chimed a few more times. With no other choice, Lavinia shoved her suitcase into the hallway closet, slipped her house shoes back on, and opened the door.

Lavinia smiled faintly. "Zenia, you're here early."

Zenia's face was pulled tight. She shot her a cold glare. "Just checking in on a useless waste of space."

Lavinia blinked, stunned.

Zenia ignored her, stepping straight into the house and seating herself elegantly on the living room sofa.

Lavinia closed the door and went to pour her mother-in-law a glass of water. Just as she set the glass down, Zenia demanded, "Don't you watch the news?"

Lavinia paused, keeping her patience. "Did something happen?"

"Garnett ran off to Portus City to act as a pallbearer and oversee the re-interment of Sigrid Sloan's father. The whole thing was broadcast on TV!"

Lavinia forced a tight smile. "Garnett didn't mention this to me."

Garnett stepped into the room, dressed in his loungewear.

Zenia froze. She had been told Garnett was in Portus City and wouldn't be back for days. She had no idea he was home.

"What brings the First Lady of the house to our humble abode this early?" Garnett sneered, taking a seat right next to Lavinia. He cast a quick glance her way.

He had heard the entire exchange. Suddenly, he felt like he had vastly underestimated Lavinia all this time.

He reached over and grabbed her hand. She tried to pull away, but he held on tight.

"Lavinia is young and naive. Try not to terrify her, Zenia." As long as his father wasn't around, he never called her 'Mom.'

Zenia was caught entirely off guard and had to awkwardly backtrack.

"Garnett, I was only looking out for Lavinia."

"Looking out for her?" Garnett scoffed, glancing at Lavinia. "You practically scared her to tears, couldn't you tell?"