Graham’s heavy coughing echoed through the ancestral temple, a result of days spent in reciting the scriptures.


    For days, Graham had knelt from afternoon till morning, and he felt the strain on his knees.


    He winced as he rubbed them, trying to alleviate the pain.


    Observing his every move, N pushed the door of the ancestral temple open and entered.


    Graham’s hand faltered briefly upon hearing N’s high-heeled shoes clicking against the floor.


    He then elected to ignore her presence and continue with his task.


    N approached him, squatted, and studied him.


    “Aren’t you Lucinda’s brother, Mr.


    Simmons? Why is she treating you so cruelly?”


    Graham remained focused on his writing, disregarding her inquiry.


    N sighed and said, “I understand it’s a family matter, and I shouldn’t pry.


    But seeing you endure such suffering is heartbreaking.


    ”


    Graham didn’t give her a response.


    N persisted, “I once heard Lucinda mention something about an illegitimate sister.


    Is that why she’s directing her anger towards you?”


    Graham’s hand abruptly paused.


    He turned and stared at her as if to issue a warning.


    Even though he maintained a low profile at Peace Mountain without concerning himself with


    the outside world, his authoritative presence remained unyielding.


    Despite her apprehension, N continued, “Lucinda’s treatment of you is disrespectful and unfair.


    Don’t you resent her?”


    Outside the ancestral temple, Lucinda could clearly hear the one-sided conversation, and her heart grew heavy with the weight of the words.


    Lucinda refrained from entering.


    Instead, she stood outside, quietly absorbing the scene within the ancestral temple.


    Inside, Graham bowed his head, squinting in the dim candlelight.


    His expression, abyrinth of emotions, remained inscrutable.


    Setting the pen aside, he massaged his sore wrist.


    Without lifting his gaze, he queried in a deep tone, “Why should I resent her, huh?”


    N frowned, “You’re her brother.


    You’ve shielded her for so long.


    Even if you’ve done something wrong, she shouldn’t unleash her fury on you.


    Even though she’s the family’s head now, haven’t you pondered resistance? Reiming what’s rightfully yours?”


    Though N hailed from Zephyria, her four-year tenure in Cadiered honed her fluency in the local tongue.


    Her voice resonated with warmth.


    Frowning, Graham shifted his gaze toward her.


    As their eyes locked, N offered a gentle smile, radiating kindness.


    Lucinda observed from the doorway, remainingposed.


    In the temple, merely a minute had psed since their eye contact.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.