Chapter 80
Stuart had been restless, ignoring his company and focusing entirely on digging into Morwenna’s past.
Driven by a need for absolute certainty, he sent people to the small town where Morwenna grew up, Intent on uncovering every detail of
her life.
Unable to sleep, he decided to stay awake.
In the dead of night, the atmosphere at Windcharm Villas grew tense as Stuart became increasingly aggressive, a testament to the profound impact Morwenna had on him. He had grown dependent on the tranquility she brought him, fearing what might happen if she ever discovered his vulnerabilities and used them against him.
In a fleeting moment, Stuart even entertained the thought of destroying Morwenna. He turned on every light at Windcharm Villas. The darkness seemed too apt a breeding ground for his darkest thoughts.
Looking out from his second–floor window, Stuart noticed a patch in the garden where the first sprouts of what Morwenna had planted. There were cabbages or maybe tomatoes beginning to emerge. The fragile green shoots reminded him of Morwenna herself who was delicate yet resilient. This sight calmed his turmoil.
Meanwhile, Adelaide returned home, dispirited and anxious, not because of Norbert’s usual cold demeanor, but because of the changes she sensed in Stuart.
Adelaide had devoted years to watching over Stuart, her life revolving around him. She knew him better than he knew himself. Her fear was uncontrollable.
Entering her house, Adelaide was immediately bombarded by her mother’s complaints. “Adelaide, what have you done to upset Stuart? Our family’s deal with the Hetfield family is off! You better apologize if you’ve messed up. Your brother’s grades are terrible, but he wants to go to Rosefrost University. We don’t know anybody there so we should ask Mr. Hetfield to lend us a hand.”
Her mother continued, mentioning how she had given away jewelry Stuart had gifted Adelaide to her brother’s girlfriend, expecting Adelaide to secure even finer pieces from him in return.
Overwhelmed, Adelaide screamed in frustration and smashed a glass against the wall. “Enough! Why must I always be the one to deal with Stuart? WHY?
Her mother, Violet, was taken aback at first, then angrily insisted, “Why? Because you once saved Stuart’s life and he owes our family. It’s just small favors, nothing serious. It’s not that Stuart isn’t up for it. You’re the one being selfish, right? You don’t want to help your brother!”
Adelaide, nearly hysterical, shouted back, “I’ve done so much for him and for our family. Still, you ask for more. Stuart is tired of me. He. has someone else now. Are you happy?”
Violet paused, her anger shifting to concern. “What? Stuart has another woman? That’s impossible! Everyone in Rosefrost Hollow knows Stuart keeps to himself and you’re the only woman close to him.”