Chapter 6
The bats came pouring in, a relentless swarm so massive it seemed to swallow the room.
The sheer number of them was overwhelming, a jaw–dropping, nightmarish sight.
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They darted through the air, crashing into everything, knocking over furniture and scattering items everywhere. The room was thrown into utter chaos in seconds.
Bianca’s gaze swept over the wreckage, and her chest tightened with a pain so sharp she could barely breathe.
Her beautiful dresses, her designer handbags–those rare, limited–edition treasures–lay crumpled and ruined on the floor.
But what gutted her most were the trophies. The trophies she had fought so hard to win, the symbols of her success and honor, smashed to pieces like worthless junk.
And the most terrifying part? Where had all these bats come from?
Evan sprang into action, slamming the door shut with a loud bang. His face darkened, his voice dripping with anger as he growled, “It’s Juliette! It’s gotta be her! She must’ve sent these bats–she hates Bianca!”
Tears welled up in Bianca’s eyes, spilling over as she choked out, So she really can’t stand me… Since she couldn’t pin that drowning incident on me, she’s stooped to this–trying to scare me to death…”
Polly immediately pulled her into a comforting embrace, her voice soft but firm. “Bianca, don’t cry. Mom’s here. I’ll protect you. Your dad and your brother will make sure you get justice. We’ll force Juliette to kneel and beg for your forgiveness- and clean up this entire mess.”
Bianca buried her face in her mother’s arms, sobbing quietly, her pale face delicate and pitiful, like she might faint at any
moment.
Mason, though silent, was seething with rage. His dark expression left no doubt about his fury. The family’s anger toward Juliette reached a breaking point.
Fueled by his own outrage, Evan stormed toward Juliette’s room and kicked the door hard. “Juliette! Get your ass out here- Ah, shit!”
The door didn’t budge, but Evan staggered back, clutching his foot and howling in pain.
A long, thin nail had pierced clean through his shoe and lodged deep in the sole of his foot.
The pain was blinding, draining all the color from his face. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he gritted his teeth.
“We need to get you to the hospital,” Mason said sharply, staying calm despite the situation. “The nail’s gone straight through. Only a doctor can take care of it.”
But Evan shook his head stubbornly. “No way. With all this noise, there’s no chance she didn’t hear it. She set this up! She knew I’d kick the door and planted that damn nail on purpose.”
Mason’s temper flared even hotter. He stepped up and pounded on the door with his fist.
When there was no response, he barked, “Bring me tools! I’m taking this damn door down!”
I didn’t take long for a servant to show up with tools. The door was removed in minutes, revealing a spotless room.
11:38 Wed, Jan 29
Chapter 6
B
The bed was neatly made, the desk perfectly organized, every item in its place. The only thing missing–Juliette.
The family froze, their anger boiling over with nowhere to direct it. Their frustration only made it worse, suffocating and thick in the air.
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“Find Juliette!” Mason ordered, his voice cold and sharp. She owed them an explanation for tonight. And they wouldn’t rest until they got it.
Servants scoured the house and checked the surveillance footage, but the family sat in the living room, waiting.
Evan finally gave up on going to the hospital, opting instead to call a private doctor to deal with his foot. Meanwhile, pest control professionals worked late into the night to clear the bats, the chaos dragging on until dawn.
But no one could find Juliette. She was nowhere to be seen. Even the surveillance footage had been wiped clean, hacked into oblivion. It was as if she’d vanished into thin air.
By the time the sun rose, the Vaughn family was left sitting in silence, their faces stormy with rage and frustration.
Back to Juliette, when she saw the calendar, a cold light flickered in her eyes. Tomorrow–she remembered it all too well. No hesitation. She hacked into the Vaughn family’s surveillance systems, grabbed a grappling hook, and swung herself cleanly out of her second–floor window. She landed soundlessly in the courtyard, got into her car, and drove off.
Golden Breeze was the most extravagant venue in Hawthorn. It had everything–gourmet food, elite entertainment, discreet services.
It was a playground for the rich and a haven for dirty secrets. Luxurious, yes. Safe? Not even close. The price of admission was steep, both financially and otherwise.
When Juliette stepped through the entrance, a staff member politely blocked her way.
She didn’t flinch. Instead, she casually held up a sleek black credit card, pinching it between her delicate fingers. “Membership. No password,” she said coolly.
The staff member froze for a moment, stunned. Even the lowest membership tier here required a net worth in the millions.
He didn’t dare hesitate. Taking the card, he quickly instructed someone to bring over fine desserts and coffee while he rushed to process her membership.
The coffee was steaming, the desserts delicately warm, but Juliette didn’t touch either. She took her card and headed straight upstairs.
At that moment, Henry and Patrick walked into Golden Breeze. Henry frowned, puzzled. “Was that… the Vaughn family’s eldest heiress who just walked in?”
Patrick pressed his lips into a thin line, his sharp eyes fixed on her slender silhouette. It was her.”
“What’s she doing here this late? Meeting her fiancé?” Henry asked, clearly baffled.
Earlier that night, after putting Louis to bed, the two had gone to the Bo family’s estate to deal with the man who’d hired someone to harm Louis.
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11:38 Wed, Jan 29 BG.
Chapter 6
**
But the mastermind was still at large–and their information indicated that he’d be here at Golden Breeze tonight. That’s why they’d come straight over
But Juliette showing up at this hour? Her purpose here was a mystery. Aside from meeting her fiancé, Henry couldn’t think of another reason.
Juliette stood at the elevator, phone in hand, dialing a number. “Daphne, where are you?”
As the elevator doors slid open, she heard the reply on the other end and said, “Stay where you are. Don’t move. I’ll come find you.”
She hung up and stepped into the elevator, about to press the close button when two men in black entered after her.
They wore oversized sunglasses, masks, and hats pulled low, obscuring their faces.
But Juliette immediately caught a faint whiff of cedar–clean, subtle, and slightly seductive, like it could sweep away the dust of the world. It was a scent she knew all too well–Patrick.
Her eyes instinctively flicked toward his face, particularly the part hidden behind the sunglasses.
The elevator doors slid shut, and it began its slow ascent.
Patrick glanced at the floor button she had pressed–24th floor. The same as his.
He noticed her gaze on him and was about to speak when Juliette suddenly broke the silence. “Your cologne… it’s unique.”
Henry, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow and silently thought, ‘Women these days don’t waste any time, huh? Already flirting?‘
Patrick was equally taken aback. The scent she mentioned was a custom blend by the mysterious perfumer of the Harrison family, limited to just ten bottles worldwide.
Si Chaoyan had gifted him one. Though Patrick rarely wore cologne, he’d tried it yesterday after Beau insisted. He hadn’t expected it to linger so persistently.
Before he could respond, the elevator lights flickered and then cut out completely. The cabin jolted, throwing them violently.
Patrick instinctively moved to shield Juliette, but she was faster. Her hand shot out, grabbing his waist to steady herself.
The sudden momentum slammed her forward, pinning him against the elevator wall.
Patrick tilted his head back instinctively, his jaw narrowly missing her forehead.
The motion exposed his long neck, and in the darkness, her lips accidentally brushed against his collarbone.
AD
