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

faltered, his

turned away, but a glint of something dark flickered in his

an

my mother's grave. I

turned and walked out the

to come.

can go

"Of course... if you choose not to could bring Matthew

Gabriel heard it loud

then no matter what they discovered,

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Chapter 194

would bring the others.

out Caroline's grave had been tampered with-if her body had truly been stolen-Gabriel wouldn't be able to

faded down the hall, Gabriel's

voice, low and cold, echoed behind his son. "Don't

it was already

the Stonor family, it was clear: Caroline's

of the headstone. His hands trembled as he brushed aside the broken flowers

fists clenched in helpless rage. This grave had been

had been

done it recently.

really

He turned slowly to Gabriel, who stood a few

smile, Benedict asked, "Father... is this because of that day? Is

that's not it, Gabriel said weakly.

suddenly roared, his voice breaking with fury and

good person... so we believed you. We trusted you. But look at this. Look at what she's

answer. His firstborn son-usually so obedient-was now weeping before him, accusing him, heartbroken

Gabriel could no longer

He closed his eyes.

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

trembling hands, he pulled a handkerchief from his robes and carefully cleaned the headstone, wiping away the

rose to his feet and

time, he left