Morning arrived at the Rowe estate with a crisp breeze and the distant chirping of birds. Ethan stood in the grand study, reviewing estate documents. The work demanded his attention, but his thoughts continually drifted to Amara. She had been quieter than usual the previous evening, yet there was a newfound softness in her demeanor.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called.
Amara entered, her expression hesitant but determined. She wore a simple dress that highlighted her natural elegance, and her gaze flickered to the papers on Ethan's desk.
"Busy?" she asked.
"Never too busy for you," Ethan replied smoothly, gesturing for her to take a seat.
She hesitated before sitting across from him. "I was thinking... about what you said yesterday. About reconnecting with my mother's legacy."
Ethan leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Go on."
Amara clasped her hands together, her fingers fidgeting slightly. "There's an old attic in the west wing. My mother used to keep some of her belongings there. I haven't been there since... since she died. I think it's time I looked."
Ethan's eyes softened. "Do you want me to come with you?"
She nodded, a flicker of relief in her expression.
The attic was dimly lit and filled with years of dust and cobwebs. Ethan and Amara climbed the creaking stairs together, their footsteps echoing in the silence.
When they reached the top, Amara hesitated, her hand on the doorknob. "It feels strange to be here again," she murmured.
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take your time."
With a deep breath, Amara pushed the door open. Inside, the attic was a time capsule, filled with forgotten furniture, old trunks, and faded paintings. Sunlight filtered through a cracked window, illuminating the motes of dust swirling in the air.
Amara's eyes scanned the room, landing on a small, ornate chest in the corner. She approached it slowly, her steps hesitant.
"This was hers," she said softly, kneeling in front of the chest.
Ethan crouched beside her as she opened it. Inside were items that spoke of a life filled with love and creativity—a delicate music box, sketches of garden designs, and a stack of letters tied with a ribbon.
Amara picked up the music box and turned its crank. A soft, melancholic melody filled the room, and tears welled up in her eyes. "She used to play this for me before bed."
Ethan watched her silently, his heart aching at the vulnerability she rarely showed.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Nostalgic and Melancholic
Current Mood: Reflective and Emotional.
Reward: 600 Pampering Points.
As they continued sorting through the chest, Amara found a faded photograph of her mother holding her as a baby. She smiled faintly, brushing her fingers over the image. "She was so beautiful. And so strong."
"She must have loved you deeply," Ethan said.
Amara nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "She did. I just wish I could remember more about her."
Ethan placed a hand over hers, grounding her. "We'll uncover everything, Amara. Piece by piece."
They spent hours in the attic, uncovering fragments of Amara's mother's life. Among the items was a journal filled with notes about the Rowe estate and its gardens.
"She dreamed of turning this place into a sanctuary," Amara said, her voice tinged with both awe and sadness.
"Then we'll make that dream a reality," Ethan said firmly.
Amara looked at him, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Why are you always so determined?"
"Because someone needs to be," he replied with a smirk.
She shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. For the first time in years, the weight of her past felt just a little lighter.
As they prepared to leave the attic, Ethan noticed a locked drawer in a nearby cabinet. "What's in there?" he asked.
Amara frowned. "I don't know. I've never seen it before."
Ethan grabbed a crowbar from a pile of tools nearby and pried the drawer open. Inside was a bundle of papers marked with the Rowe family crest.
Amara's brows furrowed as she examined them. "These are... financial records? But they don't make sense."
Ethan scanned the documents, his sharp eyes catching discrepancies immediately. "It looks like someone was siphoning money from the estate. These records are decades old."
Amara's heart sank. "Do you think my father was involved?"
"It's possible," Ethan said grimly. "But we'll need more information to be sure."
Ding!
New Task Unlocked: Investigate the Financial Mystery
Objective: Trace the missing funds and uncover the culprit behind the discrepancies.
Reward: 3000 Pampering Points + Skill: Financial Acumen.
Ethan's mind raced with possibilities. The Rowe estate held more secrets than he had anticipated, and it was clear that uncovering them would be no simple task.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked Amara, his gaze steady.
She met his eyes, determination replacing her earlier hesitation. "Yes. It's time I faced the truth."
Ethan smiled faintly. "Then let's get to work."
End of Chapter 21