tephan had his misgivings but ultimately relented. He couldn’t deny his responsibility for rchie’s death. None of it would have happened if he had insisted on not letting him take that nission.


    ohanna<b>, </b>however, remained tactful and respectful throughout the journey. She kept her


    istance, never overstepping her bounds. Even when offering Stephan a cup of coffee or some ruit, she had the subordinates deliver it instead of doing it herself.


    J


    F


    F


    C


    on the flight to Khogend, she also made a point of doing small gestures with the crew–like anding out juice and choctes or simply offering a warm smile. These subtle moves quickly on her some goodwill among the staff.


    1


    fter all, she was Imogen’s sister–inw. The staff treated her politely, addressing her <b>as </b>”


    1s. Rosario“.


    he private jetnded in Khogend the following day.


    T


    When Stephan returned to the mountainside estate, the maids and guards stationed there vere startled to see a young woman following behind him.


    A


    efore anyone could react further, Cloud, the sleek white dog, came bolting out, its tail vagging furiously. The dog circled Stephan, whining softly as ifining about its oneliness in his absence.


    tephan picked Cloud up by the scruff of its neck, his sharp eyes assessing it. The dog was oticeably heavier, its coat shiny and healthy, and its eyes bright and clear.


    T


    T


    You’ve been eating well,” he muttered.


    Wow! What an adorable dog!” Johanna eximed her face lighting up. She hesitated, then sked cautiously, “Can I pet it, Stephan?”


    tephan gave her a brief nce.


    he had generally been well–behaved despite overstepping boundaries, like answering his hone. She had diligently cared for Imogen back in Seldvale withoutint, and she hadn’t aused any trouble on this trip either.


    fter a moment’s thought, he turned and walked into the vi without answering her, leaving er to interpret the silence however she wished.


    ohanna took his non–response as tacit permission and cautiously extended her hand toward


    loud.


    Hi, doggy! You’re so cute. Let me pet you, okay?”


    ut before her hand got close, Cloud bared its teeth growling low in its throat. The sudden,


    Chack


    aggressive response startled her so much that she stumbled back and fell onto the ground. novelbin


    ing with


    Johanna’s expression darkened for a split second, her eyes frustration and resentment. “Stupid dog!”


    But just as quickly, she smoothed her features, recing her anger with an innocent and pitiful look.


    One of the maids quickly stepped forward, nervous about offending her. “Ms. Rosario, please don’t be upset. Cloud is just shy around new people. Give it a couple of days<b>, </b>and it’ll warm up


    to you.“.


    “Hmm…” Johanna nodded softly, her smile gentle. She stood, brushing off her skirt with a touch of embarrassment.


    It wasn’t hard to see why people were so taken with her. With her delicate features, soft voice, and demure demeanor, she exuded an image of a sweet, well–mannered young woman. The subtle vulnerability in her mannerisms only added to her charm, making her seem even more endearing.


    The maid led Johanna into the vi and showed her the guest rooms, allowing her to choose one she liked.


    At first, Johanna appeared easygoing, saying she wasn’t picky. But her eyes lingered on one particr room, where subtle signs suggested someone had stayed there before.


    “This one, can I stay here?” she asked, her tone light but curious.


    The maid hesitated, a trace of difort shing <b>across </b>her face. “Well… This room…”


    The truth was that this room belonged to Felicia Stephan had explicitly ordered that it remain untouched apart from regr cleaning.


    Why did Johanna have to pick this one of all the rooms to choose from?