Chapter 200

The Ackerley Family Mansion Even Miles was home for dinner tonight, which was rare. Broderick got off work earlier than usual too. By the time he made it home, it was barely six in the evening. Seeing their family gathered like this, Matilda and Walter were visibly delighted. Their smiles stretched across their wrinkled faces like blooming flowers. Lillian kept sneaking glances at Broderick, her eyes full of expectation-but he didn't so much as glance her way. That tiny bit of hope quietly fizzled out in her chest. Miles felt a strange discomfort creeping up inside him too. His feelings for Lillian had always been a bit complicated-he couldn't quite put a finger on them. Every time he came back to the old mansion, Lillian would be the one by his side. She had this calm, gentle big sister vibe. Back when they were kids, she used to wipe the dirt off his cheeks, hold his tiny hand, and help him wash up. And whenever he got into trouble, she was always the one to comfort him. But he knew,