Garden of May - Chapter 140
—As for me, I’m perfectly fine. Healthy as ever. But what about you? Logan said you’ve run into some trouble.
“I’ve had a few rather unsettling days, but nothing too serious. Though unfamiliar reporters keep circling around Gloucester.”
—Those relentless gossip rags won’t quiet down for at least two weeks. We don’t have time, so I’ll get straight to the point.
“W-wait a moment.”
Trying to steady her nerves, Vanessa tucked the receiver between her cheek and shoulder and poured herself a glass of water. As if sensing her state, Benjamin Dawson waited in silence.
“Alright… please go ahead.”
—I looked into that painting you mentioned…
He placed unusual emphasis on the word painting.
—There are indeed signs that match what you described. Of course, it’s too early to draw conclusions, but… for now, the suspicion you raised seems quite plausible.
Vanessa bit down on her lip.
A painting. Suggestive evidence.
There was only one thing it could mean, that the will might have been forged. And if that were true… it meant someone had wrongfully interfered in her parents’ deaths.
—Slowly now. Breathe, child…
The moment a face surfaced in her mind—someone who stood to gain the most from her parents’ deaths—her vision turned dizzy.
Gripping the edge of the table, Vanessa struggled to steady herself.
“Is that… really true?”
—In my judgment, yes. To be certain, we’d need to proceed through… means, but accessing that won’t be easy. It seems they’re being cautious on their end as well.
He deliberately slurred part of his sentence.
From the context, it sounded like legal procedures, perhaps a court order or a request for disclosure. It was clear he was speaking with the possibility of their call being monitored in mind.
—So rather than this, it would be best if we met in person. The painter said he wants to see you before deciding whether to sell. We’ll have to discuss the price face-to-face, this isn’t something to talk about over the phone.
“I’ll come to you. Where should I go?”
—I’ll be in Bath next week. We can meet briefly then.
There was a faint rustling of paper, as if he were checking his schedule.
—Do you have a pen and paper nearby?
“Yes, right next to me.”
—I’ll give you the address. Are you ready?
Vanessa dipped her quill deeply into ink and leaned over the table.
“Yes.”
—Welder Tea House, 203, Block 4, 17 Roderick Street. Three in the afternoon. And Vanessa—
His voice grew firm with warning.
—If you intend to purchase the painting, you must come alone.
* * *
Despite it being midday, not a single ray of light entered the room.
Thick, dark green curtains hung over every window, trailing down to the floor. The only illumination came from a few incense candles, nearly burnt out.
Blair stared at the scene, stunned.
In his memory, this had always been a refined, elegant room. But now…
Instead of teacups, the table was cluttered with glasses filled with liquor, and empty—or half-empty—wine bottles lay scattered across the floor. A discarded brandy bottle rolled to his feet, and Blair stopped it with the tip of his shoe.
At the faint sound, the woman sprawled across the daybed let out a harsh cry.
“I told you… not to disturb me!”
Suppressing a sigh, Blair stepped closer.
“It’s me, Mother.”
“…Blair?”
Hearing her son’s voice, Louise pushed herself upright, her expression dazed. Only then did she hurriedly attempt to compose her disheveled appearance.
With sunken eyes, Blair stared at his mother, who reeked of alcohol.
“Good heavens… is that really you?”
Her eyes, flushed red from drink, shimmered with unshed tears.
“You should have… told me you were coming. I… I didn’t even realize it was you…”
“When did you start drinking?”
“I don’t know. Just… a little. I felt… good…”
“And Father?”
“He… probably came home at dawn today. No, wait… that’s not right… He said he had business in Amiens. Or was that yesterday? Maybe three days ago… something about the factory…”
Louise forced a smile as she looked at her son.
“So… will you be staying here for a while? It would be best to remain at home until the wedding, wouldn’t it? Yes… we should call Cissy tomorrow morning and…”
“No.”
Blair gently but firmly removed her pale hand from his arm.
“I’m breaking off my engagement with Cissy, Mother.”
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 152 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 151 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 150 - Jun 16, 2026
