October.
This year in Chicago, the cold arrived a month earlier than usual. Charlotte Smith awoke to a phone call from Lady Stephens from the Stephens family.
Ever since George Stephens' true identity was exposed, she had not been in contact with the Stephens family for a long time.
The last time Lady Stephens called, it was merely to console her, saying she understood. They chatted briefly, with nothing much to say, and then hung up.
After that call, they hadn't been in touch for more than half a year.
She had done such a thing, deceived so many people, and the Stephens family's hostility towards her was only natural. She hadn't reached out to Lady Stephens and didn't want to bring trouble to them.
Unexpectedly, after half a year, Lady Stephens took the initiative to call.
Charlotte sat up, leaned against the headboard, and answered Lady Stephens' call.
"Good evening."
Lady Stephens' voice was soft as she gently called her name.
