Chapter 165

Thomas’s car stopped just outside the garden gates. He looked up at the freshly replaced name plaque above the brick arch. The gate didn’t budge. The gatekeeper hesitated for a while, fidgeting, and finally mumbled, “Master William told us... not to let anyone in.” Liam pulled out his phone and was about to call William, but Thomas waved a hand. “Don’t bother. He’s just trying to make a point.” Without another word, he opened the car door and stepped out, walking in on foot. He hadn’t visited this place in ages. After William turned it into a private residence, it really was more livable than before—cozy and quiet. A peaceful retreat in the middle of a noisy city, and with snow blanketing everything, it had its own kind of charm. Thomas followed the stone path deeper into the garden, Liam trailing behind him. Inside the main courtyard, three people were chatting over tea in the warm room. Elsie had just finished a bowl of pumpkin and walnut porridge and some piping hot fish dumplings.