Chapter 2012

Manfred gently hummed in response. The emotions in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. Without hesitation, he pulled Vivian into his arms. "I was afraid I'd never see you again." … Inside the carriage on their way back to Everholm, Vivian recounted everything—how Sterling had taken her, how she had handled him, and how she had ultimately escaped Bowman Residence. After finishing her story, she took a deep breath, still visibly shaken. "He's a cunning and ruthless man. You'll have to be careful dealing with him," she warned. Manfred chuckled. "The Bowmans are in chaos now. He won't have time to come after me. By the time he comes looking for trouble, he probably won't even be able to leave Bowman Residence." Vivian blinked at his words. "So that's where you disappeared for two days? You went after him, didn't you?" She knew Manfred well enough—he was never one to sit idly by when there was a target in sight. Before, the original Manfred in this world had been oblivious to the