"Mr. Theodore Locke," Vespera said, pronouncing each word carefully.

Dominic's brow furrowed. "He came to see you?"

Vespera didn't want him to suspect anything more between Theodore and Wanda.

After a brief pause, she answered, "He's an old acquaintance of my parents."

It was vague enough to be taken in various ways—whether as a friend or merely

a former classmate. Let him interpret it however he wished.

Though considering Theodore's status and social circle, it was hard to believe he'd ever have met her parents, who were both in education. Their worlds didn't intersect at all.

Noticing Vespera's hesitation, Dominic decided not to press the matter.

"Alright. Got it."

Vespera let out a quiet sigh of relief and ended the call.

With a polite smile, she helped Wanda welcome Theodore as he entered.

Theodore shot Wanda a mischievous grin. "That was Vespera's boyfriend on the phone, wasn't it?"

"No, no, of course not," Wanda replied, waving her hands.

"No? But wasn't that Dominic just now?"

"

Well, yes, but-"

turn, Vespera

you been in Halewick this entire time? When is Mr. Eden returning from Auralia? Are

attention shifted, and he offered Vespera a warm

he replied, "Eden won't be back until next week. I had planned to return last

staying longer, his gaze lingered on

us?" Wanda quickly suggested, sensing the tension in the air from Theodore's

"Of course," Vespera replied.

to the kitchen, leaving Wanda to

gaze following Vespera until she

a cough, Wanda cleared her throat. "Mr. Theodore, I must say, I'm rather surprised to see you here. Is there a specific reason

and had some free time

with such ease, as if it were the most natural thing in

his

plausible.

up, he had a

years of privilege

back

a hypocrite, she couldn't forget the kindness his mother, Carol Sullivan, had shown both he

taken them in

such kindness, Wanda felt she had no choice but to endure. Vespera

calls you Vera. May I call you that too?" Theodore asked, his

politely, though inside, she couldn't help but wonder, "What in the

year was Vera born in?" Theodore asked,

crossed her arms instinctively, her voice steady as she answered, "1999." Theodore raised an

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