Chapter 347

Thinking about how long it had been since the accident, I let out a dry, bitter laugh. "Is that even necessary anymore?"

"If something comes up, we'll need a way to reach you," he replied, surprising me. I couldn't imagine what could come up after all these years, but I scribbled down my number and walked out.

With the death report in hand, the only thing I still needed was the cremation documents. For that, I had to turn to Matthew, but since he was still unwell, I decided to contact Lindey instead.

"Rea, what brings you here?" Lindey looked more surprised than pleased to see me. I felt lightheaded—whether from running around, Yuna's situation, or simply my period, I wasn't sure.

"I need to talk to you. Let's go inside," I said.

"Oh, okay. Well… let's sit in the gazebo instead; it's too stuffy inside," Lindey suggested, linking her arm through mine as she led me toward the garden.

I followed without thinking. She called to her housekeeper, "Isabel, bring some fruit and the rice pudding I just made over to the gazebo." The housekeeper nodded, and Lindey turned back to me. "Rea, you don't look so good. Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, it's just my period," I said, using it as an excuse.

"Maybe a little rice pudding will help. I'll have Isabel bring some over," Lindey said, rising. "Just sit tight a second."

I hadn't come for small talk, so I also stood. "Lindey, I actually have something important I need to handle today."

She looked a little taken aback. I pulled out the death report. "I need to finalize my parents' death registration, but I'm still missing the cremation documents."

"Death registration?" Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened with sympathy. "Why now?"

I looked down at the paper. "Their apartment is being demolished. I can't sign off on anything without all the documents."

Lindey remained silent for a moment, then hugged me. "Maybe… maybe it's for the best."

She held me a moment longer before releasing me. "The documents are in Matthew's desk drawer. I'll go get them for you."

"Wait here for me," she said, brushing her hand over my head and gently nudging me back into my seat. I had wanted to go inside with her, grab the documents, and leave quickly, but her manner made it hard to refuse.

Just then, Isabel arrived with the fruit and rice pudding. Lindey gave her a quick instruction before leaving. "Rea's not feeling well. Make her some chamomile tea."

Isabel nodded, setting the rice pudding before me, then said she would prepare the tea. I tried to stop her. "That's really not necessary, Isabel."

"No, it is. Madam will be upset if you don't have it. She treats you like her own daughter."

Understanding her desire to avoid trouble, I let it go. A few minutes later, she returned with the chamomile tea and left me alone.

The rice pudding was as good as I remembered. I'd enjoyed it many times over the years, but since leaving the Johnston family, opportunities had been scarce. Life had been too chaotic.

I finished the bowl, but Lindey still hadn't returned. Was she having trouble finding the documents? I glanced at the time. The offices were closing in just over an hour, and I still had errands to run.

Not wanting to wait, I got up and headed toward the house. But just as I reached the door, I heard Lindey's voice. "You better behave and stay right here. If you cause any trouble, don't think I won't handle it."

Her tone was sharp, harsher than usual. But who was she talking to?