However, her dreams were suddenly disrupted by a sequence of knocks at the door.
The knocks echoed with a steady, rhythmic cadence, lacking any sense of urgency.
Suspecting it might be a family member, Jimena hastily threw on a large coat, neglecting to remove her evening dress and the blue diamond necklace.
She approached the door, partially concealing herself.
Upon opening it, she was met by a composed, scholarly-looking man.
As soon as Jimena recognized him, she nearly suffered a heart attack from the shock.
Frozen in place for several moments, she struggled to utter a word.
Daveyâs smile was disconcertingly charming as he spoke.
âWouldnât you care to invite me in for a seat?â
Jimena stuttered, âMr⦠Mr.
Glynâ¦â
Without waiting for a response, Davey calmly brushed past Jimena, taking a seat on the lone sofa.
Observing the still-dumbfounded Jimena by the door, he instructed, âClose the door and join me.
â
Jimenaâs hands trembled as she closed the door, a palpable unease settling over her.
She took measured steps toward the sofa, careful to maintain a safe distance, her reluctance evident.
Her countenance betrayed sheer terror, every feature etched with fear, and she held her breath, hesitant to release even a sigh.
âDo you find yourself gripped by fear?â Davey regarded her with a seemingly friendly countenance.
âAre you aware of the purpose behind my visit?â
At first, Jimena had clung to a faint hope that Daveyâs presence wasnât directly related to recent events.
However, that hope was swiftly extinguished in the current moment.
A violent shudder coursed through her, and she sank to her knees abruptly.
âMr.
Glyn, I implore you to show mercy.
â
Jimena lowered her head.
tears streaming down her face.
âMadam compelled me to do it.
.
â
âOh?â Daveyâs curiosity piqued.
âHow exactly did she manipulate you?â
Lounging comfortably, Davey crossed his legs, his posture relaxed.
âPlease, share the details.
â
Clutching the coat tightly to herself, Jimenaâs voice quivered as she recounted, âMadam instructed me to assist her in delivering something to an individual outside.
She threatened to fabricate accusations against me if I refused, insisting that you would have me eliminated.
I was consumed by fear, unable to defy her commands, so I⦠I complied.
â
âWhat precise actions have you taken?â Daveyâs voice maintained its composed and even tone.
Despite the ongoing rumors around Daveyâs ruthless, Jimena had never witnessed it herself.
Plus, he seemed emotionally stable.
Maybeâ¦
Jimenaâs thoughts raced as she summoned the courage to lift her gaze, wearing a contrite expression.
âPreviously, at the behest of her, I procured a specific medication.
This time, she instructed me to deliver an embroidered handkerchief to the new daughter-in-law of the Clifford family.
â
Jimena displayed astuteness, recognizing Daveyâs considerable influence.
Aware that fabricating falsehoods could lead to dire consequences, she opted for a narrative containing elements of truth, subtly embellishing where necessary.
Continuing her admission, she added, âThe handkerchief bore motifs of swallows and Angelica Sinensis, mirroring the package of the gift in your possession.
However, I deviated from instructions.
I discarded it in an outdoor waste receptacle.
Should you dispatch someone to verify, they will discover it there, substantiating my honesty.
â
Davey refrained from acknowledging this, redirecting with a query.
âHave you previously encountered the gift?â