?Chapter 1106:


    Her nerves overrode her better judgment, and she pushed the door open. It had been left slightly ajar.


    What she saw the moment she stepped inside made her freeze in ce. Her eyes lifted—and met Ralph’s steady gaze. The shock ran through her like electricity.


    What was Ralph doing here?


    Her gaze darted across the room, searching for Sharon.


    Ralph was seated calmly on the sofa, and off to the side stood Alfredo, the loyal butler of the Castro family. But Sharon was nowhere in sight. In that instant, the


    A small flicker of hope inside Sadie vanishedpletely. She stepped further in and greeted Ralph politely.


    “Mr. Castro.”


    A long, drawn-out sigh escaped Ralph’s lips.


    He had expected perseverance from Sadie. What he hadn’t seening was his own rebellious grandson stepping in—and forging his handwriting on top of it.


    Sadie continued, her voice calm but steady, “Mr. Castro, I know you’ve always tried to protect me. These past three years, you’ve taken care of me, and I’ll always be thankful. But I’m not a child anymore. I deserve to know the truth—and I can handle it. Please… just this once, let me decide for myself.”


    Ralph lowered his head slightly. As he studied Sadie’s face, a familiar image flickered in his memory—his old friend, Absolon.


    The same defiance lived in her. That same fire. That same unwavering will. Ralph sat in silence for a brief moment, struggling to find the right words.


    His hand reached up to adjust his sses. His eyes, though clear, shimmered faintly with restrained emotion.


    “Sadie, there are truths that do more harm than good. Some things only bring pain once you dig them up. Why force yourself to know?”


    Before he could finish what he was trying to say, a loud bang echoed in the room. The door mmed open with a crash.


    ine rushed inside, his breath ragged, his eyes frantic. He didn’t even nce around the room before blurting out, “Sadie! I just got a call from Wall Manor—Averi’s gone!”


    Sadie stood frozen in ce. Her thoughts stopped. Averi was missing?


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    Only then did ine take notice of the others in the room. His eyes fell on Ralph, whose expression had gone stone cold.


    All at once, ine fell silent. His unease was written all over his face.


    What in the world was happening? Why was his grandfather here?


    Sadie snapped out of her daze. Her shock vanished.


    “Mr. Castro, I’m really sorry. We’ll have to talk another time.” With those words, she turned on her heel and dashed out of the room.


    ine remained frozen, awkwardness settling over him like a second skin. His palms were damp, and his heart sank.


    “Grandpa, I’m going too. Maybe I can help out somehow or…”


    He didn’t bother finishing. The moment his words left his mouth, he was already sprinting after Sadie. Ralph and Alfredo exchanged a nce, silent and thoughtful.


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