Chapter 177
However, that sharp response needed to be remembered. Verdic glanced towards the still wet-haired Carynne, or here, Carriewhich Verdic thought was quite an uninspired pseudonymbefore turning his head towards Raymond. The woman wasnt his priority. She could potentially be a clue, but not the most crucial one.
Never mind. I received a letter at my home
Lets discuss this inside.
Raymond interrupted Verdic and turned towards the inside. His behavior was rude, yet his expression was anything but harsh. Just by his face alone, he was clearly not hiding his lingering resentment toward Verdic. It was too overt, making it suspicious.
Then, lets go. Shall we go to the drawing room first? Im sure youre already quite familiar with this house, Mister Verdic.
It wasnt to Verdics taste, but the mansion had its own charm, mainly due to its history. However, the current state of the house didnt appeal to him. Verdic glanced around the mansions interior.
Its been a while since I visited, so I can hardly remember anything. Id appreciate some guidance.
With pleasure.
There were several peculiar aspects. Why were they alone in this grand mansion, and why was the woman concealing her real name? But the most crucial issue was Verdics daughter, Isella Evans, who had gone missing. To uncover the truth, he needed Raymonds cooperation.
Two separate cups, please.
Yes.
Raymond nodded to Carynne, or Carrie as she appeared to be, and she lowered her head and withdrew, behaving like a maid.
For now, lets head to the drawing-room to discuss. I have some business to attend to shortly
Shall I provide you with dry clothes?
Raymond looked over Verdics wet attire, a look that was hard to decipher, whether it was kindness or ridicule, and Verdic felt a sense of humiliation for his recent actions. Why did he do something he didnt need to do.
Im fine.
* * *
Carynne stared down at the teacup.
She needed to think about what she could do.
* * *
But I worry for your health, Mister Verdic. Keeping wet clothes on can sap your energy. Please allow me the opportunity to extend some kindness.
I told you already. Im fine.
Cleaning the floor can be strenuous, Mister Verdic.
Raymond placed his hand on Verdics shoulder. It wasnt a forceful gesture, but it carried enough pressure. While Raymond said this suggestion, he was looking down at Verdic all the while.
Such sarcasm, this scoundrel! Verdic pursed his lips. But he knew what was important now. He hadnt come here to be at odds with Raymond. He had come to inquire about Isella. His pride could wait.
Verdic nodded.
Thank you for your kindness.
Verdic felt uncomfortable. The fact that he felt uncomfortable was uncomfortable, especially in front of Raymond, of all people.
What was even more disconcerting was that Raymond seemed to be aware of Verdics discomfort and yet did not appear to be concerned at all. Rather, its as if Verdics discomfort gave him pleasure.
Have you changed your clothes? Please come in.
Verdic followed Raymonds guidance. The atmosphere of the house was different from before. Quieter. Morea desolate.
Have you dismissed all the other staff except for that one woman?
Well, yes. I dont really need that many people. Thanks to you, I learned a lot in the military. Ah, the clothes fit you.
Raymonds words were evidently barbed. Verdic was once again reminded that he and Raymond did not have a particularly good relationship. Isella was the link between them, but they could never be a normal family. Not that they wished to be.
Verdic thought about the number of people he had brought with him. He shook his head. It was useless to think about.
Verdic changed into the dry clothes provided by Raymond. However, there was no sense of goodwill in this gesture. The clothes fit Verdic as if they were tailored for him, but they were clearly not meant for him.
This was a servants uniform.
You can continue wearing those clothes when you leave.
It was humiliating, but he had come here for his daughter.
Verdic stood there, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, then glanced at Raymond and even that seemed pointless.
Right now, he was in a position of utter weakness in front of Raymond.
The reason I came here is for nothing else but
I forgot. Please take a seat.
Verdic sat in the chair Raymond pointed to and waited until Raymond took his own seat.
May I smoke a pipe?
I dont like the smell of tobacco. But if you wish, we can open a window.
No, its alright, Sir Raymond. Since Ive already changed my own clothes, lets talk.
Verdic urgently spoke as he looked at Raymond. There was still something he needed to ask for from him.
I came here to investigate a delivered package, and I need your permission.
Is that so?
Raymond stared intently at Verdic, who then continued to explain.
Sir Raymond, as you are aware, your fiancemy daughter, Isella, has been missing for several months.
Indeed, Im sorry to hear that.
There was no trace of regret on his face. Raymonds expression remained remarkably stoic. Further, it even looked like he was feeling refreshed.
To avoid expanding these thoughts further, Verdic bit his tongue. Striking Raymond in the face right here would only get him nowhere and complicate matters. Cooperation in the investigation would be out of the question if he were to succumb to impulse.
However, I havent heard the reason why I should grant you the authority to investigate the package. I believe our relationship has already ended.
Not long ago, hair that appears to belong to my daughter was delivered to me.
Verdic retrieved an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Raymond, who accepted it and opened it.
Just because its blond doesnt guarantee anything. My hair is blonde too. Its not that uncommon.
Are you saying I wouldnt recognize my own childs hair?
In my opinion, it just looks quite common.
Verdic gritted his teeth. Theres no way he wouldnt recognize Isellas hair. Common blond hair, he said? No, theres no hair like Isellas. Theres no person like Isella. In this whole world, theres only one Isella Evans, Verdics daughter.
Mister Verdic, you seem exhausted. You are welcome to rest here if you like.
Baron Raymond Saytes.
Just Sir is fine.
Verdic stared at Raymond deliberately. He did it to convey his feelings towards him.
I know that the package passed through this area.
I see.
I hope youd be willing to cooperate with the investigation.
Raymond locked eyes with Verdic and slowly drew a line with his lips.
I dont want to.
Why?
Ive been quite busy lately.
If Verdic had a gun in his hand, he might have shot Raymond then and there.
Verdic stared at Raymond with a piercing, bloodshot gaze.
* * *
Carynne continued to gaze down at the teacup.
Verdic had killed Carynne dozens of times before. That experienced, wealthy, and relentless manCarynnes arch-nemesis.
He was shameless, openly driven by desire, and persistent in his vengeance. Knowing all of that didnt make it any less challenging.
Carynne felt a dryness in her throat and a phantom itch between her shoulder blades whenever she thought of him.
Verdic saved Carynne? But what did that matter. Even a murderer could pick up a crying child. Its possible for them to throw a coin to a beggar on the street.
A singular action cannot be enough to pass judgment on a person.
Besides, Verdic was the kind of man who had set up a charity foundation for the purpose of tax evasion rather than actually help the needy.
When Carynne earlier looked at the man, brieflyif only for a momentshe felt a flicker of bitterness as she thought of Isella. But soon, self-reproach washed over her, paired with the overwhelming instinct of self-preservation.
She had died countless times at the hands of that despicable man.
Raymond had killed people for Carynne. Perhaps quite a lot. Perhaps Isella as well. Ironically, feeling guilty about that now could be considered a sin.
Did everyone drink it?
As she stood up, she looked at Verdic and his servants. All of them had dropped unconscious.
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