Page 231 of Evil Hearts

She turned to see the butler standing at the doorway, his expression as composed as ever.

“You have a visitor, Miss Lancaster.”

“Thank you, Henry,” Dimitri said, then turned to her. “I’m so grateful that you came by today. I shall like to see more of yousoon. Forgive me for not walking you out, but I forgot some business I must attend to. If you’ll excuse me, Amelia.”

“Goodbye,” she replied, watching him stride gracefully out of the room, the locket now safely back around his neck.

Amelia followed Henry through the grand corridors of Shadowfield Manor, her thoughts still lingering on Dimitri’s touch and the mysterious locket. They reached the imposing front doors, which were flung open to reveal Charlotte Whitmore standing on the threshold, her aura vivacious.

“Charlotte!” Amelia exclaimed, taking in the sight of her friend.

Charlotte’s shoulder-length blonde hair glowed like spun gold in the afternoon light, and her bright blue eyes lifted at the corners. She wore a bold, crimson dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure, paired with elegant heels and an array of statement jewelry.

“Amelia! There you are!” Charlotte swept into the foyer as if it were her own, pulling Amelia into a warm hug. “I went by your house and Elle told me you were here. I had to see it for myself.”

“Yes, well, I’ve...befriended Mr. Volkov,” Amelia said, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.

“Is that so?” Charlotte’s expression lit up with amusement. “And tell me, have you taken a new lover, then?”

“Not yet.” Amelia laughed, the sound echoing through the grand foyer.

“Well, there’s certainly something about this place,” Charlotte said, glancing around the opulent interior with a sigh. “Old gloomy mansions usually have such stories to tell.”

“Shall we step outside? I was just leaving.” Amelia walked out the door and onto the porch.

Charlotte grinned, linking arms with Amelia as they walked down the expansive front steps. The weather was crisp and cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the lush green trees thatsurrounded the estate. Birds chirped merrily in the distance, and the perfume of blooming roses wafted through the air. A pair of squirrels chased each other across the manicured lawns, their playful antics adding a touch of whimsy to the serene setting.

“Such a beautiful day,” Charlotte remarked, tilting her face toward the sun. “It’s hard to believe we’re standing on the grounds of a place so shrouded in legend.”

“Oh?” Amelia’s thoughts meandered back to Dimitri and the secrets he harbored. The sensation of anticipation and uncertainty gnawed at her, but so did the strong attraction she felt toward him.

“Amelia, are you all right? You’ve been rather quiet.”

“Just thinking. There’s something about Dimitri...something I can’t quite put my finger on.”

“Ah, the enigmatic Mr. Volkov,” Charlotte teased, a teasing smile on her lips. “ It could be he’s just what you need to shake things up a bit.”

“Maybe…” Amelia said, her heart fluttering at the thought. The more time she spent with Dimitri, the deeper her fascination grew. And with it, the longing to uncover the truth behind his captivating, mysterious facade.

“Come on, let’s take a stroll before we head home,” Charlotte suggested, tugging gently on Amelia’s arm. “I want to hear all about your new...friend.”

Amelia chuckled, though her cheeks flushed hotly. “It’s complicated, Charlotte. I feel a growing affection for Dimitri, but I can’t ignore this persistent gut feeling that he’s hiding something significant.”

“Well, who isn’t hiding something?” Charlotte said. “Just don’t let that stop you from diving in headfirst. Sometimes, the best discoveries are made when you least expect them.”

They walked slowly, their footsteps thudding on the cement pathway leading to their cars. The sunlight peeked throughthe canopy of trees overhead, emitting shifting patterns on the ground. And with each passing moment, her feelings for Dimitri seemed to deepen, intertwining like the ivy that clung to the manor’s weathered stones.

Charlotte lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Did you know that Shadowfield Manor and the estate are connected to old urban legends? People around town swear it’s linked to supernatural creatures.”

“Really?” Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Like the manor is haunted by ghosts?”

“Not just ghosts,” Charlotte said, her tone taking on a mock-seriousness. “Other things that go bump in the night.”

“Like what?” Amelia asked. “Goblins, pixies? Garden gnomes that come to life each night?”

“No, much more sinister...” Charlotte’s expression grew somber. “Like vampires.”

Amelia scoffed, but it left an unsettling chill in her veins. “Don’t be ridiculous.” Yet her gaze strayed to the imposing manor, its turrets piercing the sky. Shadows seemed to cling to its stones, as if concealing dark secrets.

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