Chapter 146
Chapter 146
Claude spoke in a mild tone, "Of course not, these big social mixers are open to many. You’re just going to have a look around; it won't be a big deal."
Morwenna thought about it and realized he was right. She wasn’t planning on doing much, just observing. Nodding, she said, “Then, could you please hand me an invitation?”
After all, Morwenna did want to go to the event - not to hang out with Stuart, but maybe she could manage to slip in quietly on her own.
Taking the invitation from Claude, she bid him farewell and left. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
She walked back to Hetfield's Homestead.
Norbert might be taking his afternoon nap; the hall was silent and tranquil.
After securing the invitation in her room, Morwenna headed to the kitchen. The malt mixture she had been fermenting was ready.
She found a clean cheesecloth and filtered out the liquid, then began to simmer it.
Stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, she cooked it for about an hour until the syrup thickened. Turning off the heat, she dusted a cutting board with powdered sugar and let the syrup cool slightly. Morwenna then pulled the syrup into long strips and cut them into small pieces.
It took several days, but the yield was only two small boxes of homemade malt candy.
Morwenna tasted one; the flavor was satisfying.
Norbert was still upstairs.
She checked on him briefly; he was busy in his study, so she didn’t disturb him.
Morwenna called over Orson, who had been closely guarding Norbert since her instructions last time.
It still counted as a bodyguard’s task, he guessed.
Orson was curious what she was up to this time.
Morwenna spoke with a smile, “This is the malt candy I just made. Keep it with you, and give Norbert one whenever he wants a drink. His blood sugar isn’t high, but at his age, he shouldn’t have too much sugar. We need to control the quantity.”
“Alright.”
“There’s also a small box for you. I didn’t make much this time, but taste it, and next time I’ll make more for you.”
“Sure thing! I’ll take good care of Mr. Hetfield!”
Orson perked up immediately.
Malt candy wasn’t new to him, but this was different.
Today he had his share of candy, maybe tomorrow he'd get to join in some slingshot fun.
After settling these matters, Morwenna went upstairs to change her clothes.
She slipped into a sleek, black sleeveless dress that Stuart had bought for her, and let her hair down. It fell in soft waves, styled from being tied up earlier. After some thought, she applied some lipstick and grabbed a pair of sunglasses from her jewelry closet to wear.
The sunglasses hid her lively eyes, giving her an aloof, glamorous look.
Morwenna barely recognized herself, and she was sure Stuart wouldn’t recognize her either.
Once ready, she took the invitation and headed to the venue.
She was just going to observe.
She was curious and somewhat baffled.
Stuart wasn’t the type to be coerced or to compromise.
Why would he attend a mixer? Was it out of boredom? Or was there an interest in Ms. Irons?
Morwenna didn’t want her unrequited love to end before it even started, so she decided to have a look herself.
Soon, she arrived at the destination - a five-star hotel.
Others arrived in luxury cars.
Morwenna took the bus, opting not to ride her bike in a dress…
Upon reaching the entrance, she handed over her invitation and went inside.
Morwenna, initially worried about drawing attention, was immediately relieved.
The place was bustling with young men and women; no one noticed her.
She looked around but didn’t see Stuart.
‘Could Claude have deceived her?’ she wondered, though it seemed unlikely.
Finding a quiet corner, Morwenna sat down to watch.