Chapter 255: The Five of Them Made Quite a Spectacle

The five of them made quite a spectacle as they marched into Grace Cooper's home, drawing curious glances from neighbors along the row of single-story houses. Their woven baskets were piled high with goods—clearly, this was no ordinary visit. Grace was kneading dough in the kitchen when the knock came, assuming it was her children home early from school.

"Who is it?" She wiped flour from her hands.

"It's us, Second Sister!" Elena Ward pushed the door open, followed by four strapping young men.

The rolling pin nearly slipped from Grace' grip. "What brings you all here? Is something wrong?" Her eyes darted to the wall clock—barely past eleven.

"I'm exhausted!" Elena dropped her basket and waved the boys over. "Help me with these, Second Sister. Henry and the others carried them the whole way."

Grace hurried to assist. Five baskets lined up inside, brimming with goods, made her click her tongue. "So much shopping? Were you trying to clear out the whole market?"

"The New Year's coming," Elena said with a grin, rubbing her sore shoulders. "We're here for a meal, Second Sister. Four hungry lads—hope your heart can take it."

Grace pretended to swat at her. "Always full of mischief." Then, lowering her voice, she asked, "By the way, have you seen William?"

"William?" Elena froze. "Isn't he at home?"

Grace' face paled. "He left for the city three months ago with your address. Said he was going to earn money for your dowry."

The air in the kitchen turned thick. Elena's chest tightened. "I never saw him."

The mixing bowl clattered onto the stove as Grace added two more cups of flour. Her hands trembled. "That boy... Could something have happened?"

"Maybe... he couldn't find work and was too embarrassed to reach out?" Elena offered the weak comfort, though unease coiled in her gut.

Grace forced herself back to kneading, but her movements slowed. Elena noticed two extra eggs cracked into the dough—a luxury reserved for honored guests.

When the children returned from school, the house was already rich with the scent of braised meat. Henry Cooper bounded inside, grinning. "What's the occasion?"

The dinner table buzzed with laughter, William's name carefully avoided. Only Elena noticed—Grace filled every bowl to the brim, yet forgot to serve herself.

Meanwhile, in a dim basement miles away, William Cooper huddled in a corner, the faint clink of chains around his wrists. Staring at the narrow vent above, his cracked lips whispered a name: "Elena..."