Chapter 39 - Black Rose (4)

Nine-years-old Claire slowly walked down the long hallway of the large and magnificent Duke's mansion.

Her footsteps were small and light, but the quiet hallway made her every movement echo. She was wearing a sweet cream dress combined with a large red ribbon on the back, her favorite dress that Vincent had personally chosen.

Her face was cheerful, although inside her heart there was always a little anxiety that she did not fully understand.

The air in the hallway felt cold, the large windows facing the garden were tightly closed, as if protecting the Residence from the wild and dangerous outside world.

Claire looked outside for a moment, seeing the deciduous trees in the distance, then stepped forward again.

In her hand, she carried a story book with a dark brown leather cover—a book that Vincent had given her as a birthday present some time ago.