Esther’s passing had a profound impact on Bradley. He retreated to the study, a room filled with Esther’s
photographs. Each vivid image stirred within Bradley a haunting sensation, as if Esther still lingered, concealed in
some obscure corner.
In his mind, she had merely hidden herself away, eluding his search forever.
Bradley had remained locked in that study for three days, neglecting food and drink.
Concerned for his well-being, the service staff had no choice but to call Mandy for assistance.
Mandy was unwilling to confront the grieving Bradley alone, so she reached out to Kevin.
Kevin was known for his tough exterior and soft heart. While he might have claimed not to care about Bradley’s
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtwell-being, he hurried to Warner Manor when Mandy called him.
Mandy and Kevin arrived almost simultaneously.
The service staff regarded Mandy as a savior. “Ms. Pendleton, Mr. Warner has been locked in the study for three
days,” a maid reported.
Mandy had been previously expelled from Warner Manor by Bradley. When she heard the maid’s words, she turned
to Kevin. “Dr. Slade, I have no special relationship with Bradley. I don’t have a proper role in this situation. It’s not
my place to intervene.”
Kevin gave Mandy a meaningful look and kindly advised, “Mandy, don’t get romantically involved with Bradley.”
Mandy appeared puzzled, as if she didn’t grasp the meaning behind Kevin’s words.
“Getting involved with Bradley brings trouble. I guarantee it.” Kevin wanted to mention Esther as a living example of
this warning.
When he entered the manor, he noticed Esther’s photos displayed everywhere. He wondered if Bradley ever had
nightmares surrounded by her photos.
However, he chose to remain silent. He asked the staff, “Do you have the keys?”
“We don’t have access to the study.”
The study was restricted, and the service staff couldn’t usually enter without permission.
After a brief moment of consideration, Kevin requested, “Get me an ax.”
The service staff provided Kevin with one, which he used to forcefully break open the study door. He didn’t stop
until the door was destroyed and then kicked it in.
There was a strong smell of alcohol in the study. Kevin turned on the lights and searched for a while before locating
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBradley in front of the sofa, unconscious from drinking.
Kevin looked at Bradley in this condition and quickly fetched a basin of water from the bathroom. Without uttering a
word, he poured it over Bradley.
The icy water caused Braley to gradually open his eyes and gaze at Kevin.
“Kevin.”
Kevin seized Bradley by the collar and sneered. “Bradley, are you pretending to be sorrowful and heartbroken in
here only after Esther’s death? Don’t you see how hypocritical you are?”
A metallic taste filled Bradley’s mouth. When he tried to speak, a mouthful of blood sprayed out.
“Dr. Slade… Mr. Warner is coughing up blood!”