Chapter 92

This was the moment when everything shifted between their father and his parents.

But what had driven their grandparents to push so hard for him to marry Nora? And who was Nora,really?

Arabella couldn't shake the feeling that there was a bigger story, so she reached out to Joshua for help digging deeper.

She and Daisy kept turning the pages.

The next few diary entries were filled with their father's joy at their arrival and described how life moved along quietly for a while. Then came a long gap, an entire month with no writing at all.

When the diary picked up again, the words were heavy. "I never thought I'd learn that Sylvia was actually... Fate really does play tricks! What am l supposed to do now? What about the kids? I need to be ready. My situation doesn't matter, but the children are still so little-it's heartbreaking.I'm sorry to all of you."

That was where the diary ended.

Whatever came after "Sylvia was actually..." had been completely blacked out, hiding the truth from them.

When Daisy finished reading, her eyes filled with tears. "Do you think Dad knew the end was coming?"

"It seems like it. And Mom must be important,"Arabella said,her mind racing.

"Do you think someone wanted them dead?"Daisy asked, worry coloring her tone.

Arabella's voice dropped. "That's what it looks like."

At that moment, Joshua replied with the information he had dug up. Tracing Nora's identity had been simple. She turned out to be the daughter of a distant branch of Arabella's grandfather, and about the same age as their dad.

But Arabella was left wondering. Why had her grandfather been so insistent? Nora seemed perfectly unremarkable, while their own mother had been extraordinary-gentle, strong,everything anyone could admire.

"Grandma must have known who Dad really was,"Arabella said coldly. "There's no other reason for them to break up his marriage just to pair him with Nora."

Daisy glanced at the message on Arabella's screen. "That means Dad's background is a big deal too... but we're totally in the dark."

Arabella thought for a moment. "If anyone knows the truth, it's probably Grandma."

Right then, a new message popped up. "How's it going,Bella? Want any help?"

"Bella?!" Daisy exclaimed, her eyes going wide.

Flustered, Arabella's cheeks turned red. "It's just a nickname, that's all."

Immediately, Daisy clung to Arabella's hand. "You can't start dating Asher this soon!"

Arabella sighed, then changed the subject."Anyway, I'll talk to Asher. His dad knew ours-maybe he can help us find something."

Daisy agreed with a nod.

Arabella headed for the study and filled Asher in on what she had found in the diary, deciding there was no reason to keep secrets anymore.

In her mind, he was on her side.

Asher spoke thoughtfully. "I remember my father mentioning yours once. He said your dad never belonged in that family, but I didn't press him for details."

His expression darkened, and his tone grew heavy. "Both of our fathers died so abruptly."

Arabella hesitated, then asked gently, "Can I ask 11

Asher continued, "My father carried a bullet from the war. The doctors said taking it out would kill him, but living with it caused him endless pain. In the end, he couldn't hold on and passed away just a few months after your father. Those last months, his mind was fading. Otherwise, I know he would have tried to get in touch with you."

Though Asher's face remained calm, there was a note of sadness in his voice.

At the time, he had been stationed with the military and only managed one final visit before his father was gone.

Arabella reached for his hands, her touch gentle and comforting.

His skin was cool to the touch.

Taken aback, Asher noticed how her gentle warmth seeped into his skin, and he instinctively gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. In that silent exchange, the two of them found complete understanding.

A steely determination settled in Arabella's eyes."I will find out who's responsible for my parents'deaths."

"You're not alone. I'll help you every step of the way," Asher assured her, his gaze unwavering.Suddenly, a thought struck him. "Your mother's maiden name is Herington, isn't it?"

"It is. Why?" Arabella answered.

"The Herington family in Ockford are shrouded in mystery. They aren't counted among the city's richest, but almost every member holds some position in government or wields serious influence. Even the top elite families can't match their power," Asher said with a frown.

Arabella nodded slowly. She had heard whispers about the Herington family, but rarely crossed paths with them as they always seemed to move in different circles.

Could it be possible that her mother had ties to Herington family?

It was clear she would need to make a trip to Ockford if she wanted answers.

"You should get some rest," Asher told her gently,his usually frosty gaze warmed by concern.

Arabella nodded in agreement. "You too, Asher.Don't push yourself."

She started to head for the door, but Asher's hands lingered, refusing to let her go right away.Only after a gentle tug did she manage to slip free.

Leaving the study, she couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her lips. Until she nearly bumped into Daisy waiting in the hallway."Daisy?"

"Can I stay in your room tonight?" Daisy asked as she looked up, with hope shining in her eyes.

Arabella's answer came without hesitation."Absolutely."

Daisy's grin was so bright as she latched onto Arabella's arm. "I knew you wouldn't say no."

But as they walked away, Daisy's cheerful mask slipped for just a second, her expression clouded with frustration.

Seriously? Bellawas smiling jusi becauseC Asher? That was so irritating!

A few days later Arabella fianlly opened her restaurant.narming it Avalon

Opening day was a huge success, with plenty of guests streaming in for a look.

Arabella moved through the space, making sure every detail was perfect.

That was when she caught sight of Rosie by the window.