Chapter 856

Pearl followed Blake into Ezra's backyard, paying little mind to the earlier gossip, focused instead on what lay ahead. Contrary to her expectations, Ezra's backyard was rather modest, not the grandeur she had imagined. It felt oddly familiar, though it was her first time there. Then it clicked—Beah's place seemed to be designed the same way. As they ventured deeper, the foliage grew denser, nearly obstructing their path. Blake pointed at a house by the wall. "Grandfather's in there. Knock three times when you enter." Pearl nodded, sensing it was probably Ezra's rule. "I'll wait out here. Best if I don't go in," Blake added hastily, itching to leave. "Why not?" Pearl was taken aback by this. "He's not in the mood to see me. I'll just annoy him," Blake explained. Pearl understood. Rather than press him, she accepted his decision. Knocking three times on the ornate wooden door, Pearl heard a gruff voice from inside. "Leave me alone! Get lost!" Though Ezra sounded irrita