Chapter 106

Oakfield was in the south and known for its exquisitely crafted pastries.

Marguerite opened the photos from Anna, a smile touching her lips as she replied, [Thank you, Anna! I love them!]

Just then, a video call notification popped up on her screen. Marguerite sat up straight on the sofa, smoothed her hair, and then answered.

"Well, if it isn't the Northpine Wraith, still up this late?" she teased, her tone light.

Theobald's fingers tightened on his phone, but he played along, feigning a complaint. “You're the only one who calls me that.”

Marguerite shrugged. "That's because no one else dares to say it to your face. Trust me, they're all calling you that behind your back!"

Theobald searched her eyes through the screen, looking for any trace of sadness, but found none. He twisted the rosary beads on his wrist. "Maggie, I'll be back tomorrow."

“Great,” she said with a smile. “You can bring Aaron home to live with you then. He and Jenny are at the hospital right now. Staying in the slums is just asking for trouble. He's fine, mostly, but Jenny needs to stay for a few days. Once they're discharged, you should buy them a house."

Theobald frowned. "Why buy a house? My villa is huge. There's more than enough room for them."

Marguerite's enchanting eyes met

his, her gaze serious. "I'm afraid you won't be able to accept her. And it's okay if you can't." Jenny had saved Aaron and their bond was deep, but that was their story. Theobald providing them with a house was already more than enough; he had no obligation to live with her.

"It's fine," Theobald said sincerely. "It gets lonely living by myself. It'll be nice to have more people around." Marguerite was always like this she seemed domineering, but in reality, she was incredibly considerate.

Seeing no reluctance in his expression, Marguerite's smile returned. "Alright then. You can hire a butler and a few maids for the villa, just like George has here. It's not like the Northpine Wraith can't afford it."

"Now that you've found Aaron, don't dwell on the past anymore. Stop blaming yourself. It wasn't your fault; it was those traffickers. It's wrong to punish yourself for other people's mistakes, you hear me?"

Theobald nodded. “I hear you." He wanted to say something to comfort her, but her composure was so perfect that he couldn't find an opening.

"You should get some rest. I'm hanging up now," she said, still smiling.

A flicker of something crossed Theobald's eyes, but in the end, he just said, “Okay."

George noticed that the girl hadn't touched her wine glass, so he left his untouched as well. When she had first sat down, her mood had been low, but the moment she picked up her phone, she had brightened. He, however, felt no joX inat. Her cheerfulness wasn't forced it was a muscle memory developed over years of practice. She must have gone through this countless times to be able to suppress her own feelings so effortlessly.

After hanging up, Marguerite's slender fingers reached for her wine glass again,

only to find George watching her. Before she could speak, the handsome man's lips

parted, his voice incredibly gentle.

"It's okay to not be okay, Marguerite."