Chapter 24: 24. Betrayal As soon as the maid uttered the word "trouble," Maria jumped to her feet, her curiosity instantly piqued. She didn’t waste a second questioning the maid further.
The urgency in her tone had already told Maria enough. Together, they hurried down to the main living room.
When Maria arrived, she found everyone already seated... Beta Gilbert, Victoria, and Bernard. Their faces were filled with worry, and it was clear that something wasn’t right.
"Please, everyone, take a seat," Beta Gilbert said in a calm but firm tone.
As everyone settled in, Maria’s eyes met Bernard’s for a brief moment. She quickly looked away. Something about the look in his eyes made her uncomfortable, like he was hiding something.
"I need to share something important," Beta Gilbert began, his voice slightly strained. "We received a letter... from an unknown source. And the content is disturbing. This person is a threat—to every single life under this roof."
Murmurs rose in the room, but Beta Gilbert raised a hand and continued.
"From today, no one is allowed to be outside this house past 6 p.m. This is a safety measure, at least until we figure out who our real enemies are."
The seriousness in his tone sent a wave of concern through the room. Once he was done, Beta Gilbert stood up and left with Victoria and the maids, leaving Maria and Bernard alone in the living room.
Maria remained seated for a few seconds, her thoughts racing. The letter had clearly shaken everyone... what could be in it? What kind of message could cause such a reaction from someone as composed as Beta Gilbert?
She got up slowly and walked over to Bernard, who appeared lost in thought, his eyes fixed on nothing in particular.
"Bernard," she called gently, tapping his shoulder to snap him out of his daze. "What’s going on with you?"
"Hm? Oh, it’s nothing," he replied, avoiding her eyes. "I’m just tired. I need some rest."
Maria wasn’t convinced. "That’s not true. You look troubled. What’s in the letter? Why is it such a big threat?"
Bernard looked at her, startled by the question. For a moment, it seemed like he might open up, but then he said softly, "It’s nothing serious. Just precautions... for everyone’s safety."
Maria studied him closely. She could feel it—he was hiding something. And she was determined to find out what it was.
Without another word, she walked to the bar in the corner of the room. She picked up Bernard’s favorite wine and brought two glasses with her.
Bernard looked at her with slight hesitation, unsure of what to make of her gesture.
She poured the wine into both glasses, but before handing him his, she took a long sip from hers—just to show him it wasn’t poisoned.
"I figured you might need something to calm your nerves," she said softly, smiling. "Wine’s a good remedy when the mind’s under pressure."
Bernard finally smiled and took the glass from her. "Thanks," he muttered before taking a sip.
They drank and talked—at first, about random things. Childhood memories, mutual friends, simple things. The wine made the conversation flow, and soon, laughter filled the space between them. It felt genuine—comforting, even.
Maria noticed her alcohol tolerance was higher than Bernard’s. He was already grinning widely and laughing for no clear reason. She quietly went to open another bottle, pretending to drink but barely touching her glass.
When she noticed he was visibly drunk and losing his composure, she leaned in casually.
"Bernard," she said slowly, as if still tipsy, "what exactly is in that letter?"
He chuckled loudly. "It’s something to be scared of, Maria!"
She tilted her head playfully. "Oh please... What could possibly shake you or your father like that? You two fear nothing."
Bernard nodded, still laughing. "True... but that’s when you know who your enemy is, when you know where the attack is coming from. This—this is different. We have no idea."
Maria stopped drinking altogether, realizing she had to stay sharp to get the truth.
"Who is this enemy? Does the person not have a name?" she asked, her tone slightly serious now.
Bernard’s eyes drooped.
"He said his name is Shadows... If he’s truly man enough, let him come out and face me!" Bernard suddenly shouted, then let out another laugh—before slumping over, completely drunk.
Maria sighed. She couldn’t possibly carry him all the way to his room. Instead, she cleared the wine glasses and bottles, then called two guards to help.
"Please take him to his room and stay with him till he falls asleep," she instructed.
Once they were gone, Maria walked back into her room. She sat on the bed, her thoughts in turmoil.
Shadows... who is this person? Why does he want Beta Gilbert and everyone else harmed? She lay back, staring at the ceiling.
"I think it’s time I get closer to Bernard," she whispered to herself. "He definitely knows more than he’s letting on."