Chapter 1409

drive.

Inside the grand, albeit empty, halls of Aldridge Manor, the silence was almost deafening. Odie had navigated the car into the underground parking, Jonah by his side, while Sophie sat quietly in the back, lost in her thoughts. She hadn't uttered a word during the entire Once they parked, Odie broke the silence, saying, "I'll give you half an hour. Can you get everything ready by then?"

"My things are already packed, thanks," Sophie replied softly. Her voice was so low it was almost drowned out by the ambient silence. Odie, either not hearing or choosing to ignore, continued, "Be downstairs in half an hour. Don't waste my time." He stayed in the car, making it clear he was giving Sophie space. She stepped out and headed upstairs, into the heart of the manor.

Aldridge Manor was as imposing and stately as ever, yet it felt different-hollow and lifeless. Since Gordon had left a month ago, the once-bustling home had become eerily silent. No more footsteps on the stairs, no more doctors or specialists. Just a shell of what it once

was.

In her dreams, the manor was alive, filled with laughter and smiles. Sophie vividly remembered running from the backyard to the living room, where warmth and joy filled the air. Everyone was smiling, herself included.

moment, she imagined him there, standing by the window, bathed in sunlight, smiling warmly at her. It was a comforting vision, but as she pushed the door open, reality set

her deep connection to Gordon and the Aldridge family, the reality was elusive. Memories

left the study, unaware of the photograph tucked away in

the Aldridge family had faded into a quiet

the

against the car, lighting

cigarette. Jonah, curious, asked,

aren't we going to

ages ago," Odie replied casually, exhaling smoke. "We're here so she can face

didn't know what had

Sophie. Gordon's departure wasn't

Sophie returned, her hands empty but her mind perhaps a little clearer. Jonah opened the car door for her and

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