After all, she was merely a heartbeat away from passing. Next time, victory would surely be within her grasp.

The moment shattered as a desperate voice pierced the air from beyond the room. “Mr. Norris, her injuries are critical. If she’s moved now, it will be fatal!”

Katelyn stood frozen, her mind struggling to process what she’d just heard.

The next moment, the messenger finally noticed Katelyn’s and Vincent’s presence. His face drained of color as he stumbled back a step.

“The rabbit you requested,” he quickly amended, “escaped during transport and was injured after leaping from the vehicle.”

Bernie’s features twisted with rage. “You couldn’t handle even this simple task? I only wanted to get a small companion for Alfy, something to keep her from crying like this.”

The messenger bowed his head in silence, not daring to offer any defense.

“Get another one,” Bernie commanded, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave.

“Understood.” The messenger hurried from the room, shoulders hunched.

Though Alfy had stopped her outright crying, small hiccups still escaped her throat. She looked up at Bernie with reddened eyes. “Uncle Bernie, you were getting me a bunny?”

Bernie’s stern expression softened as he gazed at Alfy. “Yes, I noticed how stressed you’ve been with your studies lately. I thought a bunny might help lift your spirits.”

After all, Alfy had always been drawn to fuzzy creatures since she was tiny. But Bernie’s severe animal allergies had always prevented her from having pets at home.

Just then, Alfy’s heart swelled with gratitude. She stepped forward, gently tugging at Bernie’s sleeve like she used to do as a child. “Please don’t be angry anymore. I understand now that I was wrong.” Her sincere contrition, combined with those doe-like eyes, could soften even the hardest heart.

“It’s getting late,” Bernie said, his voice gentler now. “Go with Katelyn. The drive back will take an hour or two.”

: ?ν.?

Alfy nodded several times in quick succession. Her tears had finally subsided. A small smile graced her features as she bounced over to Katelyn. “Ready to go!”

Katelyn turned to Bernie with a polite bow. “We apologize for any disruption.”

Vincent responded with just a slight nod. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Katelyn, unspoken understanding passing between them before they headed outside.

Inside the vehicle, as Vincent started the engine, Katelyn surveyed their surroundings while Alfy slumped against the back seat. The girl’s pursed lips betrayed her lingering sadness.

After one final scan of the estate grounds, Katelyn’s suspicions solidified—something was definitely amiss about Bernie’s property. But with Alfy present, she couldn’t voice her concerns to Vincent.

As they passed through the estate’s gates, Katelyn turned to look at Alfy, her voice gentle but probing. “Alfy, what had you so upset earlier? You can tell me now, can’t you?”

Alfy’s shoulders sagged as a heavy sigh escaped her lips. She fidgeted with her sleeve, silence stretching between them before she finally confessed, “It’s about Jaxen. Tonight, I discovered he went to a hotel with some girl.”

.

.

.