Chapter 473

It was midday, and the back garden of the estate led straight into the vineyard. Since the house staff weren’t letting Veronica Wren through easily, she played it smart—pretending to go get some water, she glanced out of the kitchen window. Sure enough, there she was—a woman seated casually beneath a garden umbrella on the lawn. Only a side view, but even from that, the woman’s presence screamed aloof and elegant. Wrapped in a dark moon-colored dress and a cashmere shawl, she looked like she had the cold air of someone who kept people at a distance. Something about her seemed familiar. Veronica kept moving alongside the windowsill, trying for a better angle. At the end of the windowsill was the kitchen door, leading to the living room. Heavy curtains drawn by staff blocked any further peeks. If she wanted another look, she'd have to go through the back garden door. But the staff were practically guarding it like it was Fort Knox. No chance of slipping by unnoticed. She paused, then whi