Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 580

People moved quietly into the house as more cars pulled up outside-by now, there had to be almost twenty parked along the drive.

Walter stood at the front, solemn and tall, as the younger family members stepped forward one by one to offer incense and bow their heads.

A few monks, brought in just for the ceremony, sat cross-legged on woven mats, chanting softly. The whole mansion was filled with the sweet, heavy scent of sandalwood.

It had been years since the Fergusons held a funeral like this. Not even when Lincoln passed did it feel this formal, this crowded.

Dylan kept his eyes lowered, breathing in the incense. He found himself thinking of his mother, who'd left the city a long time ago-maybe she was already on her way back.

Ada had started as the other woman, but she'd always managed to get along with Mrs. Ferguson. Coming from a family that favored boys, Ada had learned early how to win over the older generation.

That was why she could stand in front of Walter, sobbing about Michael's affairs, and not get blamed for it.

Back then, if Mrs. Ferguson felt even a little unwell, Ada was always the first to show up at the old house to check on her. Even if people gossiped, saying she acted like a servant, Ada just smiled and never argued.

She understood how these families worked-always humble with her elders, but when it came to anyone she looked down on, like Clara, she could be impossibly proud.

The house hadn't been this full since Ada and Michael got married.

Just as the younger ones finished offering incense, hushed whispers broke out near the door.

"Mrs. Ferguson is back!"

"Grandma's home."

family couldn't believe it. They'd heard Mrs. Ferguson wouldn't be back for at

Everyone turned to look.

came in, carefully supporting Mrs.

full of energy. She let go of the younger woman's arm, her clothes beautifully stitched by hand,

gave her an

stiffened as he dropped

else dared to speak

Ferguson left ten years ago, she'd cut herself

of the younger kids barely even remembered her

Ada's portrait, lit a few sticks of incense, then turned to the crowd, her eyes finding Simon, who stood

paid your

react before he shuffled forward and lit a stick

through the house. She sighed. "I

Ferguson liked Ada, but he'd never really

city, nobody red

family's influence, meet

wouldn't have even

someone who fought her way into

felt embarrassed

the way she sighed at

he realized how little

wooden fish echoed through the room, making the

beside Mrs. Ferguson was Tara from

Everyone knew Mrs. Ferguson