Chapter 185: You’re Cunning

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I couldn’t be certain. All I had seen back then was a stone chamber, and Esmee’s last clue had been about a car repair shop before she vanished. Even so, even the smallest lead was worth pursuing.

“So, you think it’s possible but aren’t sure?” Carter asked.

I nodded. “Yes, I’m not certain. But I believe it’s hidden in a dark basement.”

Upon hearing that, Carter looked at me seriously. “Why do you think it’s in the basement?” His gaze was probing, layered with an emotion I couldn’t quite read. I almost let the truth slip. Although Carter was helping me, I wasn’t ready to fully trust him yet. Who would believe that I had been reborn? Even if he did, he might see me as some kind of freak.

“I—It’s just a guess,” I stammered. “It would make sense for it to be in a secluded, hard-to-find place, don’t you think so?”

Carter didn’t press further but instead said, “Zoey, I know you’re eager to uncover the truth, but you need to be cautious. I’ve been looking into this for over a month now. From what I’ve found, she’s incredibly shrewd, and there’s a massive secret behind her actions.

“She’s been under surveillance for some time, but she’s grown even more careful recently. Although she came here today, it doesn’t mean there’s an issue. It might be a setup.”

His words made everything click into place.

“Are you saying Anna might be trying to bait me into a trap?”

“That’s one possibility,” Carter replied. “Or, she could have come here to discuss plans with someone. Either way, we need to stay out of sight for now. If we make a move, we could give ourselves away.”

Carter squeezed my hand gently, his voice soothing. “Don’t worry. Give me some time. I’ll uncover everything.”

My heart had been racing all the way here, and all I wanted was to step into that stone chamber. But Carter’s words made sense. Anna had already suffered two severe setbacks, and she’d undoubtedly be more guarded now.

We had two choices—stay quiet for the time being or wait for an opportunity to strike back. It felt like unseen eyes were following my every move, like a snake lying in wait in the shadows. I couldn’t afford to act recklessly. Anna was just a pawn, and I couldn’t risk scaring off those pulling the strings.

“I’ll follow your lead,” I said reluctantly, unwilling to interfere with Carter’s strategy.

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“I’ll have someone investigate thoroughly. If there’s a basement here, we’ll uncover it sooner or later,” he promised.

Carter sighed. “I’m sorry for making you go through this, but I still think being cautious is our safest option.”

“It’s fine. I can be patient,” I replied. Taking his hand, I smiled faintly. “I’ve waited this long. A bit longer won’t hurt.”

He brushed his fingers against my cheek. “The truth will come to light in time. Until then, we need to remain calm and avoid any rash decisions. But just because we’re lying low doesn’t mean we can’t trip her up a little.”

I blinked at him in surprise. “Mr. Bolton, has anyone ever told you how cunning you are?”

He tapped my nose. “You’re the first. Are we heading out now?”

“I’d like to wait a little longer.”

“Alright, I’ll stay with you.”

As he shut the car door, I noticed the unfamiliar black vehicle he was driving. It was clear he was being extra careful, likely to avoid catching Anna’s attention. The car’s interior was cozy and warm. I kept my eyes fixed on the car repair shop in the distance, where most of the staff had left for the night. Only a few dim lights were on in the maintenance area.

I wasn’t sure what I was waiting for. Maybe it was the memory of seeing my body in the stone chamber. That haunting image left me with an unshakable perseverance.

“Are you hungry?” Carter’s voice broke through my thoughts. Startled, I realized I’d been staring at the shop for almost half an hour and hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

“I think I am.” He smiled and reached for a sleek handbag beside him. Inside was a food container filled with pastries I loved.

“I picked these up on my way home. I wasn’t sure if you’d like them,” he said.

“I love them,” I replied, my face lighting up.

“That’s good,” he said, his gaze soft and full of warmth. As our eyes met, I felt my heartbeat quicken. Trying to distract myself, I asked, “Would you like one too?”

“Sure, feed me.”

His request left me with no choice but to comply. I was about to finish the half-piece I had and grab another one for him. But instead, he reached out, held my wrist, and took a bite from the piece in my hand.

(The remaining text is unintelligible and appears to be unrelated to the story.)