Novel Palace
86
Shadow ‘s voice whispered and the carriage descended into an eerie hush. The moonlight pierced through the thick canopy of trees, casting long shadows over the group.
Her eyes searched for Frank, who sat at the front, driving the carriage. They then shifted to “Alpha Dominic”, the pack’s leader. Lost in thought, his brooding gaze met hers as she reached out to comfort him with a touch. “You still haven’t told me what your cousin fancies to feast upon.”
Alpha Kilian snapped back to reality, his gaze piercing into her soul. After a few agonizingly long moments, he replied, “He is not a fussy eater. Anything will do.”
He spoke the truth. Shadow ‘s culinary skills were unmatched, and he had relished every dish she had prepared for him over time. Yet his words seemed devoid of meaning, as if they were empty, hollow.
From that moment on, “Alpha Dominic” grew quiet, consumed by his own thoughts. Shadow had no inkling of what was tormenting him.
Immediately upon reaching home, her first act was to seek out Alpha Kilian.
She sprinted towards the study door, knocking fervently. No response came from within its walls.
Descending the stairs, she encountered “Alpha Dominic”. Curiosity filled her voice as she inquired, “Weren’t you with Alpha Kilian at home? I knocked on the study door, but no one answered.”
Alpha Kilian averted his eyes, avoiding her gaze. His voice dropped, “Maybe he’s retired to his room for some rest. His health isn’t the best, and exhaustion can easily plague him.”
Once you have woven the first web of lies, countless more must follow to make it believable.
He had lied to Shadow before, simply to tease her. His mischievous nature had clouded his judgment.
In the open and in the dark, he had overheard her defending Alpha Kilian.
Alpha Kilian, born into a legacy spanning a century, was well acquainted with deception. He possessed an innate ability to discern between truth and falsehood. It was this very ability that muddled his sentiments towards Shadow, leaving him perplexed.
Shadow nodded, her mind filled with uncertainty, before proceeding downstairs.
Meanwhile, Alpha Kilian observed her retreat into the kitchen and summoned Xavier, commanding, “Join me for a drink!”
“I have prior engagements,” Xavier attempted to decline, but Alpha Kilian severed the connection before he could express his reluctance.
…
At the Golden Fountain.
Xavier reluctantly toyed with his wine glass as he approached Alpha Kilian. “Tell me, what plagues you so deeply that you desired a clandestine drink during daylight hours?”
Alpha Kilian remained silent, taking a sip of his wine.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Xavier halted his usual jovial facade and spoke sincerely, “You must confide in me. You understand this, don’t you?”
Finally, Alpha Kilian turned his head to meet his gaze.
But after gazing upon Xavier for several lingering seconds, he looked away and spoke lightly, “Even if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t comprehend.”
Then why seek solace in me, over a drink? Xavier wondered, puzzled.
…
As Shadow prepared her meal, a bodyguard informed her that both Alpha Kilian and “Alpha Dominic” had left the premises together.
She would dine alone.
Just as she picked up her chopsticks, her phone began to ring.
She retrieved it from her pocket and noticed Lisa’s name displayed on the screen. With a swift tap, the call connected, the speaker activating. “Hello?”
A deafening noise screeched through the phone, followed by a desperate plea. “Shadow, save me!”
Shadow scrutinized the number, confirming it to be Lisa’s.
Lisa’s voice trembled amidst sobs, “Shadow, I admit my past mistakes. But no matter what, I am your mother. You must save me.”
Before Shadow could respond, the phone changed hands. A man’s voice replaced Lisa’s.
“You are her daughter, aren’t you? Listen closely. Prepare a ransom of 50 million within two hours. Or…” His voice turned malevolent. “We will end her life.”
Shadow was initially startled, but her tone turned frigid as she replied, “I do not possess the funds. If you seek money, go to the Eden Group and approach Jason!”
Lisa had been kidnapped?
50 million was no trifling sum!
If the kidnapper had targeted Lisa, they should have called Jason, not her.
“Humph, Young Madame Lance, claim you lack wealth? What a farce! You have two hours to gather the funds. Do not involve the police. One wrong move, and we shall slay the hostage!”
The line abruptly disconnected.
But not before Shadow heard Lisa scream in agony.
Shadow’s grip tightened around the phone, her expression contorted with anguish.
Regardless of Lisa’s transgressions, blood ties bound them together. She couldn’t stand idly by while her mother suffered.
She reached for her phone, desperately dialing Jason’s number.
No response.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
Growing frantic, Shadow fled from the mountain, hailing a taxi to the Eden estate.
Having abandoned her former identity, Shadow hadn’t returned to the Eden estate. Thus, when she arrived at the front door, a vigilant maid barred her entry.
The maid inquired, “Who are you seeking, young lady?”
Shadow cast a frigid glance at her, her voice laced with ice. “I am Shadow.”
“Third Lady?” Disbelief etched across the maid’s features, though upon closer inspection, the resemblance to Lisa was undeniable.
The maid dared not impede her any longer.
Shadow queried as she marched forward, “Where can I find my father and Jessica?”
“They are having dinner, Third Lady.” The maid then inquired, “Have you dined?”
Shadow paid no attention to the question, her anger ablaze.
Even if one loses a mere pet, they frantically search for it. Yet Lisa, her mother, had been kidnapped!
Familiar with the layout of the Eden estate, she made her way directly to the dining area.
“Dad, this shrimp is quite splendid. Give it a try.”
“It surpasses the usual flavor.”
As she entered, Jason and Jessica were engrossed in their meal, delighting in each bite.
Jessica was the first to glimpse Shadow’s fury. Surprise registered on her face. “When Mom invites you for dinner, you typically neglect the invitation. Yet now, with her absence, you return?”
Shadow strode forward, seizing the bowl before Jessica, shattering it on the ground. “My mom has been kidnapped, and you both have the audacity to eat!”
Jessica’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Mom’s been kidnapped?”
“Were you not contacted by the kidnappers?” Shadow’s narrowed gaze bore into Jessica.
Mom said she had gone for a cosmetic surgery appointment with a friend and instructed us not to wait for her. How can she be kidnapped?” Jessica expressed skepticism.
“Somebody called me, demanding a ransom of 50 million within two hours, or they will kill my mom!” Shadow’s voice quavered with anxiety.
Jessica’s immediate concern was not for Lisa’s safety, but rather the financial strain of producing such a large sum. Furrowing her brows, she uttered, “50 million? That’s a significant amount! The company has financial shortcomings. Acquiring such funds on short notice is not feasible.”
A coldness washed over Shadow’s face. “If you cannot provide it, then find a way! My mom has dedicated so many years to this family. Is she not worth 50 million to all of you?”