Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL) Chapter 40 - 35: Family dinner (2)

Elowen raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable but sharp. Lucius, usually the quiet observer, let out a near-silent hum of disapproval. Alexandra glanced at Caelan, who remained still, his expression betraying nothing, though his fingers tightened slightly around his fork.

Theo's eyes darkened, but he did not say anything. If the girl truly approached Gabriel with hidden intentions, it was his right to deal with her.

Charles, of course, was the first to break the silence with a low whistle. "My, my," he drawled, obviously enjoying the scandalous revelation. "And here I thought dinner would be uneventful." He leaned forward slightly, amusent dancing in his gaze. "Tell , dear Linnea, did you truly believe that sneaking into my brother's bath chamber would secure you a place by his side?"

Charles was still angry with his family, particularly Theo for concealing Pete's involvent in Gabriel's death; he, too, wanted his pound of flesh, his vengeance for his younger brother. His new target would be the ignorant maid.

Linnea's breath hitched, her face turning a deep shade of red. "I—I only wished to remind him of what he had forgotten," she said quickly, her voice rising in desperation. "I was his personal attendant before! I only thought—"

"You thought wrong." Gabriel's voice cut through her words like a blade.

Linnea fell silent instantly, her throat bobbing as she swallowed her panic.

Gabriel turned his gaze to his family. "She claims to have known before," he continued. "That we spoke through the nights, that she shared my bed." He paused, letting the absurdity of it settle. There was no need for him to point out that the girl was lying; his family was probably already aware.

Linnea could feel her embarrassnt and panic give way to anger at Gabriel's emotionless words. He revealed sothing so personal, as if it were a greeting.

She expected him to give a summary of her words, but he almost told them every word she spoke. She trusted that the young master didn't change and would believe her.

Charles outright laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, this is rich."

Elowen, however, was not amused. "Then why is she still here?" she asked, her tone cool, unimpressed. "A servant who lies so boldly should not remain in the household."

Linnea's face drained of color. "I—I only—"

Gabriel lifted a hand, silencing her. "She claims she has information," he said. "Sothing worth my ti."

Silence fell once more.

This ti, even Charles looked intrigued.

"What kind of information?" Lucius finally inquired; he was calm, but Joseph could tell the Count would have his head in this. The maid would never have had to be in the sa room as the young master.

Gabriel's lips curled into a wry smirk. "That is what we are yet to find out. I told her she could speak after dinner."

Alexandra smiled as she watched her brother; while he had lost most of his mories, his personality remained. This was sothing the old Gabriel would do. There was hope.

Before Linnea could say another word, Joseph cleared his throat, stepping forward from his place. His sharp gaze flickered to Gabriel before settling on Lucius. "Forgive the interruption, my lords and ladies, but I need to clarify sothing for the sake of the household's dignity."

Lucius nodded once, allowing him to continue.

Joseph turned his attention to Linnea. His voice was calm, asured—yet it held the authority of soone who knew far more than he let on. "It was not just Master Gabriel who was disturbed by your presence this evening, Linnea. The servant who attends the bath chamber imdiately reported your intrusion, and I can confirm that she did, in fact, serve as a stand-in for Gabriel's old personal attendant for several weeks."

Joseph's words sent a ripple through the room.

Gabriel kept eating, cutting the at with a carefree deanor. "Ah, I see," he mused, biting into it. "I still don't rember her."

Linnea flinched, her eyes darting around looking for an escape. "I... I just wanted to help you rember," she insisted, her voice trembling. "I was by your side before. I thought..."

"You still lied about sharing a bed with you." Gabriel interrupted, tilting his head. He swallowed his bite, then gestured vaguely with his knife. "I really do wonder where people get these ideas."

Linnea's fingers twitched, anger bubbling beneath her fear. "I am not lying!" she snapped. "I was there for you! And I know things that can help you, Master Gabriel!"

Joseph, who had been watching her closely, took a step forward. His voice remained calm, but his words carried an unmistakable weight. "Indeed?" He tilted his head slightly. "Then perhaps you could also explain the man who t you in secret earlier today."

The temperature in the room seed to drop.

Gabriel, who had been content to let the conversation flow around him, finally paused, his fork hovering over his plate. He barely got back and so people already made their move. "When will I have so peace?" His voice was lazy, but there was a distinct edge beneath the nonchalance.

Linnea visibly stiffened. "I... I do not understand what you an..."

"Lying again?" Elowen cut in, her sharp gaze narrowing. "You're making this worse for yourself." She had hoped for a nice dinner with the entire family, but this stupid girl wasted their ti.

Lucius exhaled slowly. "Joseph." His tone was quiet, but it carried the weight of authority. "Report everything you know. " He, like his wife, wanted his son back, and this happened. He was just as mad as she was.

Joseph inclined his head. "A servant saw her receive a letter. The man who delivered it left through the back entrance. He bore no visible insignia, but he moved with confidence. I wondered why she would receive such a ssage. I expect a report this evening from our n who followed him."

A beat of silence.

Theo's hand, which had been resting calmly on the table, suddenly clenched. Charles' smirk faded. Alexandra's expression turned cold.