When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 76

The Heiress They Couldn’t Break

Chapter 76 Ursula’s Birthday

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Finished

Her loud rebuke just now had been for show–meant to shore up Ursula’s authority.

Seeing Gianna bow and beg forgiveness, Ursula’s expression did soften a little.

Amelia watched that quiet shift and, without showing a trace of triumph, spoke up, since she’s admitted her mistake, why not give her a chance to make it right?”

The room went still; everyone turned, surprised to look at Amelia.

Gianna snapped her head up, surprise and suspicion flashing across her face.

Amelia offering mercy? Ha.

Gianna couldn’t help thinking Amelia was just waiting to spring another trap.

She wasn’t about to waste a chance to fight back.

Ursula paused, thinking it over. “You mean-?”

“Grandma,

“Honestly,” Amelia said gently, eyes bright with a hard edge, “she’s probably just impulsive and insecure, thinking the family dislikes her. Why don’t we have her spend the afternoon in the study, copying out pages from a book by hand? That might help her clear her head.

Amelia’s tone was soft, but there was steel under it; she’d just given Ursula an easy out.

It was clear Ursula still cared for Gianna deep down–back before Gianna had started causing trouble, Ursula had only seen the good in her.

Maybe a spell in the study would calm Gianna down.

Ursula nodded, pleased. “Good idea. The study is peaceful–perfect for her to reflect.”

Gianna’s face drained of color.

The family study out back was always damp and chilly, with no one around–worse than house

arrest.

But she had no choice; it was her own mess.

“Thank you, Grandma. I’ll copy the books properly and pray for your long life,” Gianna said in a syrupy, obedient voice.

“Right–admitting your mistake is the first step,” Ursula said, visibly relieved.

18:42 Thu, Oct 9

Chapter 76 Ursula’s Birthday

Everyone else exhaled.

Ursula wasn’t going to press it.

:

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Finished

Raymond quickly changed the subject. “Mom, I’ve finalized the guest list for your birthday. I’ll run it by you in a bit.”

“That’s fine–just do it. I’m tired; I’ll rest,” Ursula said. It had been an exhausting arrival.

“Alright.”

Ursula wore a deep garnet evening dress embroidered with gold eagles; her silver hair was swept into a dignified bun, and a priceless emerald necklace–an heirloom–rested at her throat.

18:42 Thu, Oct 9

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