Chapter 271

An hour later, the jeep came to a stop outside a secluded courtyard. Alice Sterling stepped out, her gaze sweeping across the small yard tucked away in the busy city. A trace of surprise flashed across her face. "This is... your place?" "It’s what our parents left us," Peter Reynolds replied. He stepped forward to push open the creaky door, leaving Alice briefly stunned. Did he just say “our”? Weren’t they just sworn siblings? Peter was really leaning a bit too much into this roleplay. Shaking her head, she followed him inside. The courtyard wasn’t large, an old-fashioned quadrangle with a vintage charm that seemed to hold a story of its own. Peter led her to a room nearby. The overhead light flicked on with a soft hum. For a moment, Alice stared in surprise before a smile lit up her face as she stepped in. The room was simple yet cozy, and on the bedside table sat a photo of her. It almost felt like the place had been prepared just for her arrival. Standing by the door, Peter spoke in