Chapter 394
Chapter 394:
As the car sped away, I finally began to cool down, especially when the comforting sight of my little villa came into view.
But my relief was short-lived. Stepping inside, I was taken aback to find Dominic lounging on my sofa, looking right at home. Lily was there too, serving him coffee in a pink off-the-shoulder chiffon dress with a bow at the waist—the same necklace Alice and I had seen in her room glittering around her neck.
Dominic’s gaze landed on me with a flicker of irritation. “Why are you back so late?” he asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Lily, spotting me, shuffled backward, clearly uncomfortable.
I tried to sound casual. “Just went for a walk to get some fresh air.”
Dominic eyed me skeptically, as if my explanation barely scratched the surface of his curiosity.
Feigning calmness, I countered, “And what brings you here at this hour, Your Highness?”
Dominic’s cold smile widened. “What an ungrateful woman.”
From his pocket, he produced a finely carved jade pendant, the surface smooth and gleaming under the lights. I couldn’t help but ask, intrigued, “What is this?”
Dominic gestured for me to come closer. Reluctantly, I moved toward him, my mind racing with questions. What was he up to now? He placed the jade pendant around my neck with an unexpected tenderness.
“This jade pendant is very precious. It’s said to have miraculous effects on health, especially for pregnant women.”
His voice was softer than I expected, and it stirred something in my heart. The jade felt warm against my skin, as if it were flowing with a gentle, comforting current.
Despite my gratitude, I protested, “This is too precious; I can’t accept it…”
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cóm is your escape
Dominic’s grip on my chin was firm, his gaze commanding as he made me meet his eyes. “Keep it well. If you lose it, the cost will be more than you can afford, even if you empty your pockets.”
With that, he turned on his heel and left.
I stood there, stunned, my fingers instinctively tracing the smooth surface of the pendant as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. When I came back to my senses, I noticed Lily’s expression was anything but composed. Her smile was tight, her eyes betraying her discomfort.
“Lily, are you okay? Is anything wrong?” I asked, noting her odd behavior.
She forced a smile and shook her head, quickly tucking the necklace under her collar before making a hasty exit. My suspicions were piqued, but before I could ask, Lily mumbled, “Makenna, I’m not feeling well. I’m going to rest upstairs.”
She then darted up the stairs, her urgency adding weight to my growing unease.
With no other option, I resolved to have a conversation with Lily the following day. Later that night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard the faint creak of Lily’s door. Was she sneaking out again?
Without a second thought, I sprang from bed, my determination as firm as steel. I was resolved to follow her and uncover whatever secrets she was hiding.
Lily’s POV:
In the dead of night, I carefully opened the door, clad in simple, nondescript clothes perfect for slipping through shadows. Fearing that Makenna might catch me sneaking out again, I crept over to her door to check. Inside, Makenna’s steady breathing confirmed she was deep in sleep. I let out a sigh of relief, turned quietly, and slipped out of the villa.
I made my way to a secluded spot, far from the villa. As I stood in the darkness, anxiety gnawed at me while I waited for Molly. I instinctively clutched the necklace around my neck, a gift from her in thanks for my previous theft of Clayton’s token. But as valuable as that necklace was, it paled in comparison to the jade pendant Dominic had gifted Makenna.
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