Chapter 206: A Sudden Kiss

After a long discussion about the academy and the trial, as well as the dos and don’ts, Fiona took her leave. Eleanor spent some time playing with Freya, while Ethan personally prepared dinner for them.

Isabella Thomas would be with Freya for the duration of Eleanor’s trial. She had been informed that Eleanor would be at the military academy for the next three months, with limited contact during that time, as it was a restricted area. Isabella had not questioned this; she considered it normal for a Langford family member to serve the kingdom.

During this period, Isabella had agreed to stay at the villa with Freya, accompanying her to and from school. Naturally, Eleanor’s guards and driver would be present at all times.

Since returning from London, Isabella had been introduced by Eleanor to all the house staff and guards. As she would be living with Freya, Eleanor thought this familiarity would help her settle in... and she was right.

After meeting everyone, Isabella’s initial unease disappeared. With her years of experience, she quickly took command of the household staff. Eleanor was confident she could care for Freya during her absence.

Leaving Freya to play on her own, Eleanor decided to meet with Isabella one last time to settle final arrangements. She stepped out of Freya’s room and knocked on the door beside it, Isabella’s room. Which was chosen so she could attend to Freya even at night.

"Aunt Bella, it’s me," she said.

A few seconds later, the door opened. "Do you need me?" Isabella asked.

Eleanor shook her head. "Nothing urgent. May I come in?"

"Come in, come in," Isabella said, stepping aside quickly.

Eleanor entered, closed the door behind her, and went to the table. She pulled out a chair and sat down. "I have to leave tomorrow morning. My reporting time is ten o’clock, so I may not have a chance to talk to you then."

"Don’t worry," Isabella replied. "I’ll take care of Freya while you’re gone. Besides, didn’t you say her father will be staying here?"

time to time. He might be around in the evenings and on his

a clever child. In fact, I suspect she might end up looking after me,"

and held it out. "Aunt Bella, take this. It has one million pounds on

said. "If I require anything, I can simply ask

buy personally, or for emergencies. You’ll be taking Freya to and from school, so keep it

and slipped it into her pocket. "All

don’t go anywhere without security. If Freya were left alone, she might be in danger. I have many enemies

know what to do," Isabella said

chair. "Then I’ll head to dinner. If you need anything, ask the staff... or Ethan. Don’t hesitate to purchase or request whatever you

she left the room, collected Freya from hers,

***

prepared a generous spread for dinner, taking extra care because Eleanor would be leaving in the morning. Every dish was one she favoured, each plated with precision and a touch of indulgence. Freya and Eleanor ate heartily, savouring the flavours and the warmth

announced she wanted to watch a film before bed. She knew her mother would be departing the next

did on Freya. Together, they settled in the movie room to

an hour into the film, Freya had drifted into sleep, her small head lolling gently to the side. Without a word, Ethan scooped her up with practiced ease and carried her towards Eleanor’s

leaving Freya to step into another world... one that was unpredictable and dangerous. Fiona had reassured her that accidents in the ascension process were rare, and most returned home safely. At worst, she might need to employ a simple cultivation technique that would cripple

A wave of gratitude swelled in her chest. She was fortunate... blessed even... to have both of them in her life. Her gaze shifted to the broad line of Ethan’s shoulders. This man had changed her life beyond

hidden them. But the shadows of the past still clung to her, the deep-seated disgust forced

so much about him she admired. Above all, she cherished that Ethan had never tried to touch her without consent. She knew, instinctively, that he had wanted to... many times. Women always knew such things. But he had never crossed the line. He had waited, like a gentleman who valued the other’s feelings above his own. He was there whenever she or Freya needed him, often before they even asked, always taking the place of the

her small frame,

should get some rest... tomorrow will be

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