Following Vincent’s line of sight, she noticed… Bernie’s movements betrayed military precision—too calculated for an ordinary businessman. Katelyn’s brow furrowed in thought. Perhaps he simply maintained a rigorous fitness regimen?
These suspicions churned in Katelyn’s mind as they reached the second floor, halting before Alfy’s chamber.
The mansion exuded old-world luxury, its décor speaking of refined taste. Antique furnishings lined the corridors, each carefully curated piece whispering tales of privilege and power.
When Bernie eased open the door, Alfy raised her tear-stained face.
Her eyes were swollen and crimson.
The pitiful sight struck a chord in Katelyn’s heart.
The instant Alfy caught sight of the figure behind Bernie, her voice cracked with emotion. “Katelyn…” Without a moment’s hesitation, she launched herself into Katelyn’s welcoming embrace. Her demeanor spoke of some profound injustice endured.
“It’s okay. I’m here now,” Katelyn murmured softly, holding her close and rubbing soothing circles on her back.
Alfy responded by burrowing deeper into the embrace.
“If my strictness bothers you, you can simply tell me,” Bernie sighed, his voice heavy with resignation. “There’s no need for such distress.” Having raised Alfy since childhood, watching her in such a state left him torn between heartache and frustration. Yet, above all, he felt utterly powerless.
Alfy dabbed at her tears, shaking her head at Bernie. “No, Uncle Bernie, you’re not the reason. Something else is troubling me. It has nothing to do with you.”
Her words came between hiccups and sniffles, creating a scene both touching and slightly comical. To compound matters, her crying had triggered a runny nose. As she sobbed, the air rushing up from her chest took the most inopportune path—shooting straight through her nostrils instead of her mouth. Then, a delicate bubble of mucus appeared at the tip of her nose.
Alfy’s eyes widened in shyness, her tears momentarily forgotten as she became mortified.
Katelyn’s lips twitched with suppressed amusement. “Here, wipe it,” she offered, extracting a tissue from her pocket and extending it to Alfy. Her expression carried a hint of fond exasperation. Leave it to Alfy to transform even a moment of genuine distress into something absurdly entertaining.
Bernie shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to handle this awkward turn of events.
Alfy hastily snatched the tissue from Katelyn, her earlier anguish evaporating in a cloud of mortification. Turning to Bernie, she ducked her head with characteristic shyness. “Uncle Bernie, might I stay with Katelyn for a few days?”
Bernie regarded her with the weary acceptance of a long-suffering guardian. “We both know if I refuse, the waterworks will start again. Go ahead. But mark my words—you’re coming back to complete those certification exams next time.” His expression softened as he watched her, unable to deny her yet another request.
Alfy’s mood transformed instantly, her face lighting up like sunshine after rain. “Absolutely! I swear I’ll tackle those exams the moment I return.”
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