restrained.
With an afternoon free of obligations, Gabriel perused a few pages of apany contract. His twith his grandfather was
limited, and he took every chance to ease the old man's worries.
The silence was broken by a knock at the door.
e in," Gabriel called out, his voice even.
"Gab!" Evelyn exclaimed as she breezed into the room, a tray of homemade pastries in hand. "I picked up sbaking tips from
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthe chef. I've made a whole bunch, dropped soff for Grandpa and Mr. Jarvis, and brought these for you."
Gabriel's expression was cool. "Evelyn."
She stiffened at the sound of her full name, a chill running down her spine. "What is it?"
He set aside the contract, fixing her with an impassive gaze. "Just be a good granddaughter to Mr. Quintin. You won't be
shortchanged here, but don't try to play smart."
Evelyn's face paled, her words tumbling out in a rush. "What do you mean? I—I don't understand!"
"Let's get one thing straight," Gabriel said. "You and Estelle met back at The Citadel, and you've looked out for each other — that's
a bond worth honoring. Whether during your tat The Citadel or now in J City, Estelle has been there for you. Don't let her
down."
Evelyn's eyes darted nervously. "Did someone say something to you? Last night, when | was with Grandpa and Mr. Jarvis, |
accidentally let slip that you went to see Sylvia. If I've caused you any trouble, I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional. And about what
Grandpa said regarding you and me, | never thought—"
"Save your explanations," Gabriel cut her off. "Just remember what I've said the next tyou're about to do anything."
She bit her lip and looked down, silent.
Gabriel glanced at the tray of sweets. "| don't eat sweets. Take them away."
Without another word, Evelyn picked up the tray and left.
Once the door closed behind her, Gabriel turned his attention back to the contracts, endorsing them with the meticulous strokes he
had learned from Mr. Jarvis. The afternoon flew by in the quiet of his work.
As the year's end approached, the days grew short
—— The price is only 1/4 of what others charge —
*D Reading History
No history.