The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 194

Chapter 194

In the end, Eliza and Mary were, of course, escorted out of the estate.

Before leaving. Eliza turned and gave Benedict one final look. Her voice was steady, but her eyes held sorrow as she said, "Benedict our mother loved us. Please, don't let her down."

Benedict stood frozen.

He stared, stunned, as Eliza turned and walked away. For a long moment, he couldn't move. Then he gave a bitter smile.

She hadn't called him brother like that in a long time-not since she'd left the Stonor family.

And yet... he was the eldest of the five siblings.

Caroline had loved them dearly. If she could see what her children had become now, wouldn't she be heartbroken?

"You don't need to bother with that crazy woman's nonsense, Gabriel said, his tone indifferent. "Sophie still hasn't returned. Now that Eliza's off the mountain, follow her. See where she goes-she might lead you straight to Sophie."

Benedict frowned. "And Mother? Aren't you going to check on her grave?"

Gabriel met his son's gaze and hesitated. I'll go now," he replied after a pause. "But we can't ignore Sophie either. So hurry. Go

He thought Benedict would obey-he always had.

But this time. Benedict didn't move. "No," he said.

Gabriel blinked.

Benedict didn't back down. His voice v was calm but firm. "Father, come see Mother. Now, I'll go with you."

Gabriel's fingers twitched. His eyes narrowed.

For a long moment, father and son stood locked in a silent stare.

The irony burned. Eliza is my blood sister. How could you ever call her an outsider?

Gabriel's jaw tightened. "Of course not. You're my eldest son,"

And then Benedict smiled-coldly, sadly, "What's wrong. Father? De

you think I'm an outsider too!"

I'll go

voice faltered, his

glint of

Then if I'm not an outsider, there should

grave. I prepare

walked out

to come.

go alone. Or

as he reached the threshold, he stopped and added, "Of course... if you choose not to could bring

Gabriel heard

him, then no matter what they discovered,

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Chapter 194

would bring the others.

body had truly been stolen-Gabriel wouldn't

down the

his son. "Don't make things difficult

it was already

grounds of the Stonor family, it was clear: Caroline's grave

collapsing at the base of the headstone. His hands trembled as he brushed aside the broken flowers and torn soil. "Mother... I was too late.

in silence, and his fists clenched in helpless rage. This grave had been

come here had been barely four months

had done this... had done it

really

to Gabriel, who stood a few paces

twisted, tear-streaked smile, Benedict asked, "Father... is this because of that

it, Gabriel said

don't! Benedict suddenly roared, his voice breaking with

know her. Everything we knew about her-you told us. You said she was kind. You said she was innocent. You said she was a good person... so

answer. His firstborn son-usually so obedient-was now weeping

Gabriel could no

He closed his eyes.

she would go this far. "I'll bring you home, Mother...

cleaned the headstone, wiping away the

feet and

he left