"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-"

conversation took an unexpected turn, Vespera nearly

please, have a seat. Have you been in Halewick this entire time? When is

shifted, and he offered Vespera a

planned to return last rday,

longer, his gaze lingered

quickly suggested, sensing the tension in the air from Theodore's watchful

"Of course," Vespera replied.

to the kitchen, leaving Wanda to

notice Theodore's gaze following Vespera until

throat. "Mr. Theodore, I must say, I'm rather surprised

was in Halewick and had some free

ease, as if it were the most

his explanation

utterly plausible. It

he had a

by years

held herself back

of guilt lingered within her. Though Theodore was nothing more than a hypocrite, she couldn't forget the kindness his mother, Carol Sullivan, had shown both

ago, Carol had taken them in and even helped

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

Vera. May I call you that too?" Theodore asked, his gaze filled with a touch of

couldn't help but wonder, "What in

born in?" Theodore asked, turning to

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

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