Chapter 183
Dominic said firmly from the front, “Keep it down.”
Calvert looked totally innocent.
Meanwhile, Yasmine shot him a glare with her big, round doe eyes. She had a naturally sweet face. When bare–faced, she looked like the girl next door. But her personal style leaned full–on
sultry.
She played the flirty, soft–voiced seductress to perfection, her sweet–and–sexy charm so potent it could knock any man off his game.
But today? She was suffering the biggest humiliation of her life.
That little punk beside her had basically called her old, and the guy up front had scolded her.
“Hmph!” She gave a tiny stomp of her heel in frustration, then stormed forward and clung to Vespera’s arm, lips pouting as she muttered under her breath, “Stupid men.”
Vespera gently patted her. “We’re not playing with them anymore.”
“Mm,” Yasmine agreed softly, leaning her head on Vespera’s shoulder.
Calvert, bringing up the rear, remembered how hard she’d shoved him earlier. He thought that Yasmine didn’t exactly scream fragile.”
Outside the elevator, a long hallway stretched ahead.
Dim red lighting cast eerie shadows across the walls, which were lined with all kinds of strange and mystical decorations.
The air was thick with smoke–some kind of incense -and the entire space felt drenched in
mystery.
Whether Miranda was the real deal or not, the vibe was fully immersive.
At the end of the hallway, they turned a corner and were suddenly met with a grand double wooden door that looked like it belonged in an ancient tomb.
The stone–carved frame was intricate, the patterns complex and majestic. It was hard to believe they were still in a regular city building.
Anyone walking in without knowing anything might think they were on a secret temple raid.
Apparently, the noise earlier by the elevator had alerted someone inside. Before they could even knock, the door opened, and a young woman stepped out.
The young woman, Belle Fleming, wore a white tunic, her hair tied into a neat bun, and looked barely over 20. She had soft features and bright eyes—she looked fresh and lovely.
She glanced over the group, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “Are the four of you together? Do you have an appointment?”
An appointment? Seriously?
Vespera casually lifted her hand, brushing her fingers.through her hair to subtly reveal the bracelet on her wrist. “A friend sent us. We heard Ms. Kinsman is incredibly gifted.‘
Belle caught sight of the bracelet on Vespera’s wrist, and her smile grew warmer. “That bracelet was personally blessed by Ms. Kinsman If your friend gave it to you, she must value you very much.”
That line was as good as confirmation that Rebecca had definitely been here. She might even
still be inside.
“Exactly. Ever since I started wearing it, I’ve felt a real
curious and wanted one too, so I asked my friend to difference. My friends here were
make an introduction. But for some reason, her phone’s been off all day. I couldn’t reach her, so I came on my own.”
She kept her tone casual while slipping in a subtle probe.
Belle asked, “And your friend’s name?”
“Snyder,” Vespera replied.
There was the slightest flicker in Belle’s eyes–a brief evasiveness.
“Ah… you’re Ms. Snyder’s friend. Unfortunately, she’s not here right now. And tonight’s appointments are fully booked until 10:00 pm. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to come back
another time.”
She turned to head back inside, but Vespera quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. She was now certain that Rebecca was inside.
Belle winced slightly. Vespera’s grip must’ve been a little too firm, and she let go immediately.
“Sorry… It’s just that we’ve come all this way. Couldn’t you let us in, just for a minute?”
She gently pulled Belle aside, the two of them whispering in low voices. From the outside, it looked like they were bargaining.
At first, Belle ook her head firmly. But slowly, her expression began to waver. Eventually, she looked like she’d given in.
Dominic, watching from a few feet away, raised an eyebrow in quiet amusement.
A moment later, Vespera and Belle returned.
“Ms. Kinsman must be destined to meet you tonight. This way, please,” Belle said, then gestured for them to follow.
Inside, just past the heavy doors, they stopped at a small area where Belle asked them to power down their phones and place them into a box for safekeeping.
It was a rule, and if they wanted to proceed, they had to follow it.
All four reluctantly complied.
Beyond that was another long hallway. The whole place looked like it had been designed by someone who thought ancient tombs were peak luxury decor.
Whoever had inspired this setup had probably misread the assignment.
As Vespera walked, she suddenly noticed the light around her dimming and the strong, smoky scent in the air fading, replaced by a much fresher breath of
