Nichs flew into a rage upon hearing this.

    Maureen was punished by kneeling in the family chapel for a full day and night.

    This was just one incident; countless others followed.

    Kathleen’s expression froze, her smile not reaching her eyes: “After all these years apart, you’ve be more humorous than before.”

    As they walked, they arrived outside a secluded courtyard.

    It wasn’t far from Geoffrey’s residence. Maureen remembered this ce vaguely from childhood, but she’d never entered since marrying into the Sutton Family.

    She’d asked the Sutton Family’s maid about its purpose, but even the maid didn’t know.

    Kathleen stood outside the courtyard: “Reenie, didn’t you once tell me Geoffrey specifically came looking for youte at night during a downpour?”

    This was something Maureen had shared before her marriage.

    Maureen didn’t grasp her meaning: “Yes, what about it?”

    Kathleen arched her willow–leaf eyebrows slightly.

    “I’ve always wondered–back then, didn’t you describe Geoffrey as incredibly gentle and chivalrous?”

    Maureen felt an inexplicable unease stirring inside her.

    Kathleen smiled ambiguously. “I think there’s something you should know.”

    Her gaze

    drifted toward the silent courtyard nearby.

    “You might want to take a look inside.”

    Maureen couldn’t guess her intentions.

    “Why should I listen to you?”

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    After being framed by Kathleen multiple times, Maureen had lost all trust in her.

    “Believe me or not, but I’m warning you–you’ll regret not checking.”

    Kathleen turned to leave.

    then paused abruptly. “This is just spection. Whatever you see, don’t mention me. I’m just guessing.”

    Truthfully, Kathleen still feared Geoffrey.

    Geoffrey was no gentleman–after all, he’d brought down Edward’s father, his own uncle.

    The man stilly in hospital, machines keeping him alive.

    After Kathleen left, Maureen stood alone in the deserted area. Everyone else had gone to the banquet.

    Maureen gazed at the courtyard ahead, Kathleen’s words echoing in her mind. As if guided by an unseen force, she stepped inside.

    The courtyard was immacte, an oak tree’s fragrance filling the air. The familiarity struck Maureen–she’d surely been here before, though the memory had faded with time. As a child, she’d visited the Sutton estate with her father.

    Standing beneath the oak, Maureen eyed a vermilion wooden house in the distance. Step by step, she approached and pushed open the door.

    Creak-!

    As the door swung open, the interior came into view. Every piece of furniturey shrouded in white cloth, as if concealing secrets.

    Puzzled, Maureen wondered what Kathleen wanted her to see.

    She lifted one of the cloths.

    tter!

    A frame tumbled to the floor. Maureen picked it up, freezing when she saw the photograph.

    Two identical boys stood side by side–one cold as ice, the other with eyes curved in a smile.

    Scrawled at the bottom were the words: “Geoffrey (Older Brother), Alex (Younger Brother).”

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    Maureen’s heart raced as she uncovered the remaining white cloth, revealing more photographs.

    Identical group photos, but these captured their youth rather than childhood.

    The man on the right wore a tailored suit, his face carved with indifference.

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    The man on the left stood in casual wear, warmth radiating from his eyes.

    Though their features mirrored each other, anyone could tell they weren’t the same person when seen side by side.

    Beneath the photos, tiny characters identified them: “Geoffrey (elder brother), Alex (younger brother).”

    The icy figure on the right was Geoffrey. The gentle one was Alex.

    Maureen’s mind reeled.

    In that instant, she realized she might have mistaken them all these years!

    But she’d always loved Geoffrey–how could she confuse them?

    Trembling, Maureen clutched the photos, searching for more clues when voices echoed at the

    entrance.

    She had no choice but to slip away immediately.

    Exiting through the back, she walked pale–faced along the path, photographs gripped tightly.

    She needed answers from Geoffrey.

    Why had she never known about his twin brother?

    Cold wind whipped her face as she hurried toward the gathering ce.

    Not far away on the second floor, Kathleen stood on the balcony, a ss of red wine in hand, her lips curling into a faint smile.

    “It seems my guess was right.

    After setting down the wine, she too headed toward the banquet.

    The banquet hall buzzed with clinking sses, radiating tranquility.

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    Until Maureen appeared, drawing every gaze toward her.

    Light rain had misted her path, leaving her long hair disheveled as if her soul seemed absent.

    Amid the crowd, Geoffrey’s eyes sharpened. He set down his ss and strode toward her.

    At that moment, he clearly heard the relentless whispers behind him.

    Sometimes he wished he shared Maureen’s hearing impairment–then those words wouldn’t reach him, wouldn’t matter.

    “What are you doing here?”

    His irritation was palpable.

    Maureen studied him intently. Truly unlike–nothing like the Brother Geoff she’d known as a child.

    Her vision blurred with unshed tears, voice hoarse: “I need to ask you something.”