Chapter 528

Gildon estate's hall was brightly lit. Unlike before, Bree did not greet me with her usual warmth. Instead, she seemed flustered. Zack sat there, motionless, his face thinner and more haggard than before. His illness had taken its toll, with white hairs now threading through his once-dark hair. When Brandon and I entered, Zack's expression remained unchanged. Bree, standing nervously, greeted us. "Maddie, Brandon, you're here." "Bree, Mr. Gildon," I responded as I always had. As Zack gestured for us to sit, the maid quickly brought over some tea. "Are you hurt?" Zack was the first to speak. I wanted to say no, but the searing pain on my wrist reminded me of the hours I had spent tied up. There were even visible marks. Bree noticed it too. Her hand twitched as if she wanted to examine the injury, but she held back, not daring to reach out like she once would have. She seemed scared, no longer treating me with the motherly ease she once had. "Let Bree apply some ointment for