Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 456

**Sleeping With Trouble: My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend 456**
**Chapter 436**

The moment my question slipped from my lips, I noticed a flicker of discomfort cross my aunt’s face. She quickly shook her head, her expression shifting to one of mild alarm. “No, that’s not true at all, Kay. There are countless people in the world with the last name McDowell. How could there possibly be any connection? My investigation revealed that your parents only have you as their daughter. So please, don’t let your imagination run wild. I promise you, Aunt will treat you just like her own flesh and blood!”

I felt a rush of relief wash over me at her words, and I nodded vigorously, my cheeks warming slightly. “Um, I’m really sorry, Auntie. I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn like that!”

Anika’s complexion shifted to a ghostly white, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant self. “It’s okay,” she said, her voice strained yet reassuring. “You guys go ahead and enjoy your drinks! By the way, I still have some things to handle. You all dig into your meal; I’ll join you in a bit!”

With that, Aunt unexpectedly slipped away, leaving me with a lingering sense of confusion. It was becoming increasingly apparent that I couldn’t quite grasp her motivations. The name Maggie hung heavy in the air, a clear taboo for them, and I couldn’t shake the question of why Aunt had switched me with her in the first place. What was her true intention?

As we settled down to eat, the meal was surprisingly decent, the flavors rich and comforting. My brothers engaged me in conversation, whether they had something meaningful to say or not. Emmett, however, seemed to be wrestling with his own thoughts. He stood tall, his gaze fixed on me even after Tyrell had succumbed to the effects of too much alcohol, his eyes reflecting a complexity that I felt only I could decipher. Yet, I hesitated to voice my understanding. I knew he wanted me to help him wrap up this dinner party as swiftly as possible, but a part of me resisted that urge.

“Kay,” he finally broke the silence, his voice steady despite the tension. “I’ve arranged an appointment with the music maestro for you. When you’re ready to hold a concert, Marcel will take care of everything.”

I could barely focus on his words, my mind still reeling from the earlier conversation. “Just make sure to visit the hospital soon, okay? You need to be checked for any lingering issues after your time in the forest. Beckett wants to see you live to a hundred!”

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