The Ninth Bride (Samantha and Finley)

Chapter 272 What Were You Doing?

Alas, it seemed that fate had a cruel penchant for favoring Samantha, forever denying her the chance to be with Mr. Dean. Just the thought of it weighed heavily on her heart, leaving her with a profound sense of sorrow.

Elias cast a concerned glance at his sister, who had become suddenly motionless. He gently placed his hand on her arm and tugged it softly. "Emily, what are you lost in thought about?"

Emily was jolted from her reverie by her brother's touch. She managed a faint smile and shook her head. "It's nothing, Elias. Didn't you mention you had some business down the hill? You should go ahead. I'll just head back to my room and finish my homework." Elias nodded approvingly. "Alright then, stay in your room and be a good girl. Don't wander around, especially don't let Finley see you. If he does, he might have you thrown out of the Dean Residence."

Finley, after all, had a particular disdain for women who constantly disobeyed and lingered around him. Elias genuinely worried that if Emily continued to drift in and out of Finley's sight, she might indeed be expelled from the house.

To prevent such an outcome, he deemed it necessary to give his sister a firm reminder.

Her gaze drifted toward the staircase. Seeing her lingering stare, Elias frowned and addressed her once more. "Emily, did you hear what I said?"

Emily nodded absentmindedly. "I heard you. You told me not to go upstairs and disturb Mr. Dean. Don't worry, Elias. I understand Mr. Dean doesn't want me around, so I won't bother him. You go and handle your affairs; I'll stay in my room and wait for your return."

Elias studied his sister's face for aThis belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

long moment, ensuring she truly understood his warning. Once satisfied he nodded once more and departed. As soon as he was gone, Emily seized the opportunity to slip upstairs, taking advantage of the maids' absence as they had all gone to the upper floors.

She crept carefully toward the door where Samantha and Finley were, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Just then, Daphne reappeared and noticed Emily's suspicious behavior, crouching stealthily by the door.

Daphne called out sharply, "Emily, what are you doing there?"

Startled by Daphne's sudden voice, Emily swiftly withdrew her hand from the doorknob, her face flushed with embarrassment. She forced an awkward smile and stammered, "4 wasn't doing anything, Ms. Stuart. I just heard a lot of noise coming from this room and was curious about what was happening inside. But before I could see anything, you came back. Please believe me, Ms. Stuart, I wasn't trying to do anything wrong."

Daphne set down the groceries she had been carrying and moved over to Emily, firmly pulling her away from the door. "Didn't your brother tell you that your movements are confined to the area of the estate where he resides? No matter how curious you are, you have no right to be up here!"

Emily lowered her eyes, her voice trembling with remorse. "I'm sorry, Ms. Stuart. I know I was wrong. I didn't mean to spy. I'm just curious, you know. I turned eighteen this year, and I'm interested in everything. I understand my actions were inappropriate, but I couldn't help myself."

As she spoke, tears began to well in her eyes, eventually spilling over as she cried pitifully. Her sorrowful demeanor made it hard for Daphne to maintain her sternness. "Alright, stop crying. You're making it seem like I'm being unkind to you But listen closely: from now on, you are not permitted to come up here anymore. As for..."