"Grandpa", Vera greeted her face paled and her gaze not meeting his. She did not expect to find Elder Allen behind her.
His posture was straight, his hands clasped behind his back, and his sharp, calculating eyes rested her.
He had been watching her, observing every move, yet she hadn't even noticed his presence. She felt embarrassed and silently cursed Jessica.
Since her arrival into the house nothing seems to be going in order. She felt she will never be able to finish settling the scores with her for every embarrassment she has felt.
She forced a smile, trying to regain her composure. "Grandfather," she greeted with forced politeness, willing her voice to stay steady.
Elder Allen didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained fixed on her, cold and assessing. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with hidden weight.
"Vera," he said slowly, "what exactly are you doing here at this hour of the night?"
