Chapter 422

Maddy’s POV

His eyes shifted to the journal in my hands, then back to my face. “And did you find what you were looking for?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, holding up the journal as if to prove my point. “I was just about to head back downstairs.”

He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he studied me for what felt like an eternity, his expression unreadable. The silence was suffocating, and I fought the urge to fidget under his gaze.

“You’re quite close to my grandson, aren’t you?” he asked suddenly.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, nodding. “Jason and I are good friends.”

“Good friends,” he repeated, his tone laced with skepticism. “Is that all?”

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. His question felt like a trap, and I wasn’t about to fall into it.

“Yes,” I said finally. “That’s all.”

He hummed softly, as if unconvinced. “You’re an interesting one, Maddy. Quiet, but there’s something… different about you.”

I was