Chapter 10 Alina leaves in the afternoon

Vanessa's already distant attitude towards Alina had worsened since her marriage to Caleb. Alina couldn't pinpoint the reason, but it was clear that Vanessa didn't like her. However, this time, after Alina had made it clear that she and Caleb were getting a divorce, Mrs. Collins acted as if nothing had happened. These behaviors were baffling to Alina.

Back at Mulherd Manor, Alina entered the dining room to find Andre, dressed in ink attire, sitting somewhat tiredly at the table. He had just returned from being outside and was watching Alina as she entered.

"You're here?" Alina greeted him.

"Yes, I just got back. Have you had dinner yet?" Andre asked.

"Nope," Alina shook her head. She had eaten at the banquet with Mrs. Collins earlier and returned to Collins Castle, contemplating what to say to Grandpa Max. Once he had agreed, she promptly left, not wanting to spend another night at Collins Castle.

Andre inquired, "What's going on between you and Mrs. Collins? The whole of Ingford is in an uproar over the photos of you and Mrs. Collins at the party."

Alina walked over and took a seat across from Andre. The maid hurriedly added cutlery for her. Alina picked up her fork and began eating, saying, "You're not one for gossip, so don't pay attention to what's happening in Ingford these days."

"I'm just worried about you," Andre replied sincerely.

This time, Alina had returned to focus on investigating her grandmother's case, and she also wanted to wrap up matters with the Collins family. However, things seemed to be getting complicated, and Alina frowned, "Things are a bit troublesome at the moment."

"The old Collins disagrees?" Andre guessed.

"Yeah," Alina nodded.

Andre was aware of the significant place that Grandpa Max held in Alina's heart. He was her grandmother's dear friend and had reached out to take care of her after she lost everything.

"If it's because of the old Collins, then you don't need to worry," Andre reassured her.

"What do you mean?" Alina looked at him with curiosity.

"Max has been supporting you until today, probably waiting for your return. Three years ago, when you suddenly disappeared, Max almost didn't make it," Andre explained.

Alina's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Andre, puzzled.

Andre understood her thoughts and continued, "Once I came here, I realized that there are people who actually missed you."

Alina's heart tightened. In the past three years, Andre only knew how desperately she wanted to leave this place, but he never knew that there were people she cared about.

In the evening, when Caleb returned to Collins Castle, the butler was taken aback upon seeing him. After all, Master Caleb hadn't been back in years. He had stayed at the castle the previous night and returned again today.

"Master Caleb," the butler respectfully approached him.

Caleb glanced at the brightly lit mansion and then at the empty dining room. His brows furrowed as he asked, "Is it past dinner time?"

"No, Max had dinner in the main building tonight, and Madame is in her room," the butler replied.

Caleb's breath tightened. "Where is she?"

The butler responded, "Lady Alina left this afternoon."

Caleb's eyes darkened. He wondered why she had left after supposedly going to a party with his mother.