Chapter 974

A wine bottle and a toppled glass marred the otherwise pristine living room.

The sofa bore the telltale signs of a restless night, cushions askew.

His eyes finally landed on the closed bedroom door, suspicion and dread coiling within him.

Domenic had barely advanced a step when a hoarse voice emanated from behind him.

“Sir.

” Franklin called out, his gaze fixed on Domenic.

“Your grandpa requested your presence with Miss Stewart for breakfast.

Observing the open door, I took the liberty to enter.

” Franklin’s gaze swept up and down Domenic’s figure.

Domenic, fully attired with the door ajar, clearly bore the signs of a recent return from outdoors.

“Sir, you… were absent from your suite last night?”

“Yes,” Domenic replied icily.

“And Miss Stewart…” Franklin’s eyes drifted towards the bedroom door.

Domenic’s gaze chilled as he tracked Franklin’s look, his brow creasing in mild concern.

“She’s likely still asleep.

”

Franklin let out a sigh.

“Sir, you’re well aware of the family protocols.

Your grandpa is already awaiting us in the dining room.

A delayed arrival from Miss Stewart might not reflect well on the situation.

”

Being a distinguished family, the Walsh household adhered to numerous regulations, one of which dictated a punctual breakfast at six in the morning, leaving no room for tardiness.

Domenic hadn’t slept in since childhood.

“Lindsey isn’t bound by our family’s customs yet,” Domenic retorted, his stare frosty.

“Allow her some more rest.

Inform my grandpa that neither Lindsey nor I will join him for breakfast.

”

Franklin hadn’t anticipated Domenic’s response; his expression was shifting to a frown.

“It may not be advisable.

Your grandpa recently acknowledged her.

Her absence at her inaugural breakfast could displease him.

”

“I’ll handle the explanation.

Must I rely on your guidance?”

Domenic’s impatience silenced Franklin.

He glanced at the bedroom once more before departing reluctantly.

Once Franklin left, Domenic shut the door and redirected his gaze to the bedroom.

Domenic’s intuition pricked at the absence of Hendrix’s response.

He had specifically tasked Hendrix with guarding the door overnight, a duty Hendrix wouldn’t shirk without cause, especially not ignoring Domenic’s calls.

Franklin’s abrupt presence only fueled Domenic’s suspicion, sensing an ulterior motive driving the old butler’s actions.

The bedroom likely held a revelation.

In a bid to uncover the truth, Domenic had purposefully dismissed Franklin to create a secluded environment, ready to tackle any potential issues head-on at a moment’s notice.

His eyes shadowed as he neared the bedroom door, attempting to twist the knob.