Night had already settled when Charlotte stepped into the backyard, searching for Gérard.
Just as she expected, she found him in the garden, seated on the bench.
But what she hadn't expected… was the company.
Eugénie sat beside him, talking animatedly, her face lit with a bright, effortless smile.
Charlotte stilled, watching from a distance, stunned.
Why didn't Eugénie look afraid of him?
Still… a quiet warmth stirred in her chest. If Gérard could get along with even one member of her family, that was something something good.
Without interrupting them, she turned and slipped back inside, heading straight for the kitchen.
She began preparing herbal tea, her movements calm and familiar. The staff glanced at her in open surprise once upon a time, she had never stepped foot in the kitchen.
Charlotte caught their expressions and gave them a playful smile.
They returned it.
Soon, the maid finished tidying up and retreated, leaving Charlotte alone in the quiet space.
