Chapter 24

Andrew's gaze fixed upon his brother, sensing the palpable tension enveloping the room. Determined to break through whatever thoughts plagued Albert, he spoke up, "Why are you looking like that? It's just the housekeeper."

Albert snapped out of his reverie, his mind refocusing on the present. "You can come in," Andrew called out, granting permission for the housekeeper, Annabel, to enter.

Upon hearing Andrew's approval, Annabel cautiously stepped into the room, her gaze lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with the brothers. "Madam asked me to call both of you for breakfast," she calmly stated, still avoiding their gaze.

"That's alright, we'll be down in a minute," Albert replied with a warm smile. "And there's no need for you to keep your gaze down when talking to us," he added, earning a sidelong glance from Andrew.

"It's okay if she wants to maintain her gaze down; it simply shows respect," Andrew said, chuckling softly as he observed Annabel, still with her eyes fixed on the floor