Returning home from her trip, Eve felt a newfound sense of energy. The time away with Anna had been refreshing, giving her the break she desperately needed. As she walked through the grand entrance of Sinclair Manor, she marveled at the familiar surroundings. The manor's opulence, with its high ceilings and elegant chandeliers, never failed to impress. Eve's favorite part, however, was the garden view from the foyer—an expanse of green that stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with vibrant flowers in full bloom.
Eve went back to her routine with a renewed spirit. Her days were filled with meetings, managing the estate's finances, and overseeing various projects. She was particularly fond of the mornings, when she would sit in the sunlit study, sipping her favorite chamomile tea while going through the day's agenda. Her aunt, Victoria, had seemingly reverted to her usual distant demeanor, but Eve didn't mind; she felt more resilient now.
One afternoon, as Eve was engrossed in reviewing some documents, she heard a commotion in the hallway. Curious, she stepped out of her study to find the source of the noise. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her cousin, Claire, standing in the foyer, surrounded by luggage.
Claire, with her golden blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkling with excitement, returned the embrace. She was dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit: a light blue blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, complemented by white sneakers.
Eve stepped back, smiling broadly. "I can't believe you're home. How was college?"
Claire shrugged, her smile never wavering. "It was great, but I missed home. And you. How have you been?"
Eve waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, you know, the usual. Running the estate, trying to keep everything in order. But enough about me. Come on, tell me everything!"
They spent the next hour catching up in the cozy living room, where the fireplace crackled warmly, and the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted in from the kitchen. Claire's stories of college life were filled with laughter and excitement, and Eve felt a pang of envy for her cousin's carefree experiences.
As the evening approached, Eve and Claire decided to take a stroll through the garden. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the manicured lawns, and the sound of birds chirping added to the tranquil atmosphere.
"By the way," Claire said, nudging Eve playfully, "How excited are you for your birthday? You're finally going to be the heir"
Eve laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, I haven't thought much about it. There's always so much to do around here."
Claire frowned. "Well, that's not acceptable. We need to do something special. It needs to the party of the season"
Eve smiled, touched by Claire's enthusiasm. "Ok my dear. It wouldn't hurt to have a little fun"
In the following days, the presence of Claire brought a liveliness to the manor. The cousins spent time together reminiscing about their childhood, planning small gatherings, and occasionally sneaking out for midnight strolls in the garden. Claire's vibrant personality contrasted sharply with the sternness of Aunt Victoria, who watched their activities with a critical eye but said nothing.
Despite the cheerful reunion, Eve couldn't shake off a feeling of unease. Victoria's sudden suggestion for her to take a break and now her indifferent attitude towards Claire's return seemed out of character. Victoria was always meticulous about the estate and its affairs, often involving Eve in every decision.
One evening, as Eve was preparing for bed, she heard a soft knock on her door. Opening it, she found Claire standing there, looking pensive.
Can we talk?" Claire asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Of course," Eve replied, stepping aside to let her in.
They sat on the bed, and Claire took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you something. Do you think my mother is acting... strange?"
Eve nodded slowly. "I've been feeling that too. She's been distant, and the trip suggestion was so out of the blue. But I don't know what to make of it."
Claire frowned. "Do you think she's hiding something?"
Eve sighed. "Maybe. But what? And why?"