Chapter 568



“They were already like this. It wasn’t our doing.”

Kallie remained skeptical. A few mute individuals might be coincidental. Yet, how could every servant in the manor be unable to speak? Where would one find so many mute individuals?

Kallie knew the agony of silence all too well. Her suspicion grew. If she was right, this was the work of Griffin and the elderly man. Despite her revulsion, she masked her emotions. She was, after all, still within their power.

Kallie’s smile was less icy as she mused aloud, “Interesting approach. Effective. Every household has its secrets, doesn’t it? I’m curious if you could recommend similar resources. They might be useful back home.”

Griffin’s smile lingered, wordless. He gave no sign of offense to her words.

Kallie finally realized what was off about Griffin. His youthful look was devoid of any young man’s vigor. Even a naturally introverted, depressed teenager would show off some vigor. Yet, Griffin was markedly different. His eyes, dark and empty, seemed to drain the soul from anyone they fixed upon. A sense of decay emanated from them. His actions and behavior occasionally betrayed a maturity far beyond his years, surpassing mere precocity.

Kallie paused, lost in her thoughts. She concealed her emotions effectively, not letting her guard down even though Griffin resembled a teen.

Their conversation continued.

Kallie mentioned her daughter, explaining her inability to watch another young girl suffer. She argued the girl could simply be assigned more tasks instead of facing extreme measures over a trivial issue.

Griffin did not oppose her suggestion. He observed the timid girl with a curious gaze. “Miss Nixon, you appear to have a kind heart,” he remarked.

Kallie replied flatly, “I wouldn’t describe it as kindness. I just saw it and felt I had to do so. If this troubles you or the elderly man, I apologize. After all, I am in your domain and must respect your rules.”

Griffin shook his head. “Miss Nixon, as our guest, your request is reasonable, and I see no reason to deny it. If I fail, it would displease my grandfather. You wish for the girl to remain, and so she shall. But…”

Griffin paused ominously and flashed a peculiar smile. Reaching the door, he said, “However, here, kindness may be more of a curse. I hope your unborn child does not inherit such a pointless trait.”

Griffin’s gaze lingered ominously on Kallie’s abdomen. Feeling a sudden cold, Kallie instinctively covered her stomach.

Griffin exited, the door clicking shut behind him. Kallie exhaled in relief.

The little girl, tears still marking her cheeks, quickly knelt at Kallie’s side.

An older servant, apparently the girl’s mother, knelt beside her as well.

Both sank to their knees before Kallie, their movements earnest though not fluent in sign language. Kallie, having once been mute, understood their intent.

“Please, no need for thanks. Stand up,” Kallie urged. She assisted them to their feet.

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