Chapter 1068

Fuller Frederick's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly at the mention of "before death," a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips as he replied, "My apologies, but I don't believe we've met." "Oh." Bernie's response was subdued, his voice tinged with disappointment. He had assumed that a genius like Melanie would shine as brightly as the Jane wherever she went impossible to miss. Yet after losing track of her and arriving in Bannon, he realized that even someone of her brilliance could vanish effortlessly when an entire nation conspired to hide her. Lunch unfolded on the sun-dappled lawn. Cassius's earlier claim about his sister Ivy being shy was pure modesty. The young woman was a natural socialite, chatting animatedly with Mrs. Meyer throughout the meal. In contrast, both Hazel and Daisy were more reserved, neither initiating conversations with their distinguished guest. Mrs. Meyer, ever the gracious hostess, skillfully wove them into discussions even while engaging with Ivy.