Veronica asked, "Ellinor, can you tell me what the plan is? Maybe I can help!"
Ellinor shook her head. "You can't help with this one, Veronica. The best thing you could do for me is to take care of the kids."
Veronica pouted, "Alright then! But if there's anything else I can help with, let me know, alright?"
Ellinor gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I won't hesitate to ask for your help. Now, off to bed with you!"
Veronica stood up. "I'll let you rest then, Ellinor. Make sure you get some sleep too."
"Mm."
Ellinor led Veronica out of the room.
Veronica frowned in concern, both for Ellinor and her long-lost brother, Theo. She hoped he could safely return this time, and not encounter any more unexpected situations. He belonged here, with Ellinor.
On her way to her own bedroom, she suddenly heard her Grandma Marissa's voice from behind.
"Veronica, what on earth are you doing up so late, gallivanting around Ellinor's room?"
Veronica turned around, seeing Marissa being supported by one of the housemaids as she walked towards her.
She felt a bit guilty, "Uh... Grandma, why are you still up?"
Marissa stopped in front of Veronica. "I don't know why, but I'm feeling quite restless. I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a stroll. Veronica, I saw you coming out of Ellinor's room. Is something wrong with Ellinor or the kids?"
Forced to stop, Veronica asked, "Uh... Grandma, is there anything else?"
Marissa, looking uneasy, held her forehead, "I just wanted to know if you've heard any news about your brother from Ellinor recently?"
Veronica became more nervous, "Uh... No, Grandma! Why do you ask? If there was any news, we would certainly tell you right away!"
Marissa sighed, "Oh! I don't know why, but I've been having nightmares about your brother lately. Either he's hurt, or he's trapped in a cage. In my dreams, no matter how hard I try, I can't free him and I always wake up in fright. I didn't tell your grandfather. I didn't want him to worry."
Veronica was taken aback. She hadn't expected Marissa to have such a strong intuition, and it was quite accurate at that.
But she couldn't tell Marissa the truth, so she tried to reassure her, "Grandma, I think you're just worrying too much about him, and that's why you're having these nightmares. Don't overthink it! As soon as Ellinor gets any news, she'll let you know. I believe he's alright. He just couldn't come home for now because of something. He'll be back. I'm sure of it."
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