Chapter 1096

Mrs. Meyer took Bernie by the hand and led him away. As Frederick accompanied them to the estate gates, Bernie kept glancing back at the villa, his eyes clouded with a strange reluctance—longing, perhaps, or something deeper he couldn’t yet name. Just before they exited, Mrs. Meyer paused and turned to Frederick, her gaze steady and searching. “Mr. Fuller, don’t you have anything to say about what happened with Miss Xu earlier?” Frederick met her eyes with polite detachment. “Mrs. Meyer, I’ve never been one to interfere in other people’s business. As for Miss Xu, I trust Mr. Xu will give you the explanation you’re looking for.” “And what if that explanation points to you?” she pressed. Frederick’s smile was calm, unreadable. “Then I’ll prove my innocence.” Mrs. Meyer studied him for a beat longer, her sharp eyes glinting with something that could’ve been approval. “Mr. Fuller, I appreciate your candor.” “Thank you.” With that, she turned and walked away with Bernie in tow. Frederick st