Chapter 6X
My jaw clenched as rage burned in my chest.
“So, they planned this all along, huh? A calculated escape?” I hissed between gritted teeth. “Fine. I’ll find Halle–let’s see how far they think they can run.“)]
Roy hesitated, visibly torn, but eventually spoke up.”
“Mr. Stanley… maybe her leaving is actually a good thing–for both of you. Miss Brewer is back now, divorced and choosing to stay by your side. With Madam gone, you and Miss Brewer can finally be together, openly and without guilt. She let go not just of you–but also of herself.”
The room fell into silence afterward.}]
I lit a cigarette, and smoke curled around my face, hiding the flicker of emotion in my eyes.
“So, in your opinion,” I said slowly, “I should just stop looking for her?“>
Roy took a deep breath.
“Sir… Madam has suffered so much. If you truly don’t love her, maybe it’s time to set her free. Since Miss Brewer came back, she’s been all you see. Even when Madam finally got pregnant, the baby was lost because you prioritized Miss Brewer’s treatment over her well–being. You had her family’s ancestral grave dug up–to build a villa for Miss Brewer. Her mother died from the heartbreak-“Z
Before he could finish, I suddenly laughed–a cold, bitter sound. I crushed the cigarette out under my fingers.}
“She deserved it,” I said darkly. “If she hadn’t stopped me from returning to the capital back then, Janice wouldn’t have been forced into that marriage. She wouldn’t have gotten sick.“}
“Everything I’ve done–every single thing–was to make up for that. To help her, to make things right for Janice.”
I leaned forward, eyes blazing.
“And now Halle thinks she can just walk away? No. She married me–she’s a Stanley. She belongs to my family!”
“Keep searching for her. I don’t care what it takes. If you come back empty–handed, don’t bother coming back at all!” I instructed, roaring. Roy looked at me, unsure whether he was dealing with a grieving man or someone who’d lost his mind. Still, he nodded.?
I slumped into my chair, my eyes fixed on the wedding photo hanging on the wall.}
In it, Halle was smiling–bright and full of joy.
I remembered that day. She’d cried tears of joy while we were taking the photo, and I’d gently wiped them away, promising that every year, on that same day, we’d take a new wedding photo even when we were old and gray.”
I glanced at the calendar.&
Today was the day we made that promise.
But when Janice returned… I forgot all about it.
Just then, my phone rang, yanking me out of my thoughts.}
“Alexis,” Janice’s voice came through, sharp with panic. “I don’t want to stay in the villa anymore. I’m scared. I want to go back there. Please, I can’t stay here.”
With a groggy voice, she explained, “There’s something wrong with this place–something really wrong. The servants and bodyguards all ran off. They said it’s haunted. I’m losing my mind here!“}
“Just book me a flight. I’m serious!” she begged.
Her usual sweetness was gone and was replaced by hysteria.”
I sighed, irritation creeping into my tone as I answered, “Janice, calm down. I haven’t finished handling things here. Just stay put for now, ril come get you as soon as I’m done.”
But Janice wasn’t having it.
“No! I can’t wait. I need to leave. Something is wrong with this place!“}
She then dropped her voice to a trembling whisper. “The bones in that pit… they’re gone. All of them. Someone dug them up. I think they’ve come back. They’re going to get revenge on me.“\
Upon hearing that, I froze
For a moment, the phone felt ice–cold in my hand.
“What did you say?” I asked quietly. “The bones… they’re gone? When did you find out?”
“This morning, she whispered. E
Tinhaled sharply, hope blooming in my chest!
“There’s still time. Halle is the guardian of those graves. She would never leave her ancestors‘ remains behind. That means she hasn’t left Arlington yet,” I murmured.
Then I instructed Janice. “I’m heading back there right now. Janice, if you hear anything–anything–about where Halle is, tell me. Immediately.“%
