Chapter 150
150:
Snapping out of his unease, Elliott trailed behind Dylan, both men trying to slip out as silently as possible. Dylan, leading the way, straightened his cuffs, the gemstones catching a stray beam of sunlight, all while tiptoeing to avoid making a sound. Before they could breathe easy, the door across the hall opened, and Ralphy stepped out.
Stealth seemed to be Ralphy’s intention as he padded softly through the hallway. The sight of Elliott and Dylan slipping out of Christina’s room left him staring, eyes round with astonishment. Curiosity lit up his face as he lifted his hand, pointing the way. “Did all three of you spend the night together?”
Neither Elliott nor Dylan gave anything away. They barely spared him a look and then brushed past as though nothing had happened.
Watching them disappear down the corridor, Ralphy lingered, glancing back at Christina’s door, a swirl of intrigue flickering across his features. But speculation would have to wait. There were other priorities—he needed to wash up and shake off the night. Last night, he had shared a room with Davina, but he had spent the entire night in the bathroom. The good fortune that Davina remained asleep was not lost on him. If she had caught him, she would not have missed the chance to joke about his “romance” with the toilet, spreading the story far and wide. Just the thought of her teasing made him shudder.
A vague memory surfaced—he and Davina had staggered to the downstairs bathroom, the night ending in a blur of nausea and exhaustion. What came after that was lost in the fog. Overindulgence had clearly gotten the better of the group, leaving Ralphy’s head pounding and his energy sapped.
Meanwhile, tucked away in her room, Christina waited until all was quiet before daring to peek through half-opened eyes. Relief swept over her as she realized the coast was clear. The risk of being caught faking sleep had rattled her. If anyone had noticed, the embarrassment would have been unbearable for everyone involved.
She burrowed under the covers for a moment longer, uncertain whether to rise or stay hidden, until the call of a hot shower finally won her over.
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In the dining room, without a word, Dylan set down two steaming bowls of rich porridge, each finding its place on the long dining table.
Spotting the bowls, Ralphy perked up and reached for one, asking, “Is this one mine?” He had already guessed the other was meant for Christina.
Stone-faced, Dylan said, “That bowl’s for Chloe.”
“Okay.” A sigh escaped Ralphy as he let go of the bowl, forced to settle for the plain offering a servant handed him instead. With a slouch, he propped his chin on his palm, saying, “Looks like bland porridge is all I get today.”
Laughter sparkled in Chloe’s tone as she replied, “Who told you that’s all you deserve?”
That comment brought Ralphy to his feet, and he hurried over to relieve the servant of Chloe’s wheelchair. A cheerful grin spread across his face as he guided her to the spot Dylan had set with the heartier porridge. “Chloe, your brother made you something special.”
Though Chloe’s sight still hadn’t returned, she reached out, her fingertips skimming the table until she found the bowl. Then, she slid it gently toward Ralphy. Her smile was warm. “I’d rather have the simple porridge today. Take the good one for yourself, Ralphy,” she said, her smile not fading.
Before Ralphy could decline, Chloe asked with a laugh, “So, did Mr. Hubbard end up staying over last night?”
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