No Strings Attached

Katherine moved with a familiarity through the living room to the farthest cabinet, where she fetched a first-aid kit. After rummaging through it for a moment, she found the burn ointment. She quickly unscrewed the cap, squeezed some ointment onto a cotton swab, and gently applied it to Teo's burn.

Despite their shock, everyone in the room remained silent, watching her every move with quiet attention.

Once the wound was treated, Katherine's previously furrowed brows slowly relaxed. She lifted her gaze, looking at Teo with tender eyes. "It's not a severe burn. It will heal in a few days."

The servant by her side was so scared she was nearly in tears. With her head bowed, her voice trembling, she said, "I'm so sorry, sir. It's all my fault. I'm willing to accept any punishment." Katherine stood up. Her demeanor was gentle as she looked at the servant, her voice soft and devoid of anger. "It's alright, Melissa. You've been with the Hayes family for so many years. Everyone makes mistakes. Just clean up and go rest."

Her tone and attitude were that of a lady of the house, which shocked Melissa. She watched Katherine incredulously.

Why did this woman's behavior remind her so much of the previous lady of the house?

Besides, this was their first meeting. How did this woman know her name was Melissa, and how did she know she had worked for the Hayes family for many years?

Melissa stared at Katherine, about to voice her question when she heard Teo's deep voice. "This is my guest. You clean up and go rest," he said.

Brodie, who had been observing everything from behind, saw how his mother handled the situation with such composure, her familiarity with the home, and even her knowledge of each person there.

Could his mother have lived here before? What role did she play in this house back then? Why did Teo seem to know nothing about his mother's past? What piece of the puzzle was he missing?

Brodie's keen eyes scanned back and forth between his mother and Teo, searching for clues.

Just then, he heard Rose's voice. "That must be Brodie. Come here, let me have a look at you."

Rose's sudden call didn't surprise Brodie. Since Teo already knew about his origins, the secret must have been out in the open within the Hayes family for some time.

Still, he harbored doubts about the Hayes family and hadn't forgiven Teo. He wasn't sure how to face them yet.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Brodie approached Rose with a calm demeanor, bending slightly in a polite gesture. "Grandmother, how may I assist you?"

When she say him act so formally,

Rose's eyes moistened slightly. She took his hand and said, "I heard from Clara that you like fish, spicy crab and lamb stew. I've prepared all that for you. Please make sure to eat

ton

plenty."

Brodie couldn't hide his emotion in the face of Rose's care. His eyes slightly trembled.

"Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I certainly will," he said in a slightly hoarse voice.

Rose then had a servant bring over a plate of peanut brittle, offering it to him with a loving expression. "This is your favorite peanut brittle, fresh out of the oven and still warm. Try some right away."

These were his childhood favorites, which he hadn't tasted in many

years. Seeing them again stirred a complex mix of feelings within him. These were the flavors of his

vel? Be

childhood, but they also reminded

him of the years he and his mother

had spent wandering.

Brodie blinked a few times, picked up a piece of peanut brittle from the plate, and popped it into his mouth. The crunchiness of the peanuts combined with the sweetness of the sugar made his eyes warm. Just then, a soft, delicate hand reached over. Clara also took a piece of peanut brittle from the plate, her eyes smiling at him.

"Grandma made these especially for you. She even accidentally burned her hand while caramelizing the sugar. You should have a few more pieces to truly appreciate her effort," she said, teasingly.