The old woman remained silent, simply walking past her into the house and placing the food tray on the nightstand.
Ivy Tanner followed her inside, asking again, unwilling to give up, "Ma'am, please, just tell me."
The old woman lifted her hand, pointed to her mouth, and then shook her head.
Ivy Tanner's heart clenched. "You can't speak?" she asked, startled.
The old woman nodded.
Ivy Tanner instinctively took a step back, the ache returning to her chest.
'Ethan Kingsley really was a man of his word. He said he would make her live out her days in solitude, and he'd even sent a mute old woman to care for her...'
'Heh... So ruthless.'
'It's fine. Being alone is better, anyway. At least I don't have to watch my back for people who want me dead.'
'This is great. I'm perfectly happy with this arrangement.'
'As for the child in my womb... once it's born, my part will be over.'
'What does Ethan Kingsley's child have to do with me?'
'Fine. Let it be.'
