Chapter 492

Stephanie used to skip her afternoon nap and still have energy to burn, but not anymore. Lately, she could barely keep her eyes open after lunch. Sometimes she even needed a nap in the morning, afternoon, or evening. With that added to her regular sleep, it felt like she was living in a dream world. But she seldom slept well. “Yeah, my sleep’s been… a lot,” she said. “But I don’t feel good. I dream every time I sleep and wake up exhausted.”

Her dreams were nightmares—usually about snakes or something equally creepy. Just thinking about those slimy things gave her the chills.

“Having dreams?” Macro asked. “I’ll adjust your meds.”

Stephanie nodded. “Okay.”

They talked it through and figured out she was dealing with insomnia, nightmares, and a touch of indigestion.

Macro left, and as Stephanie got back to her room, her phone rang. She saw Allison’s name and answered, “Allison?”

“S–Stefi…” Allison’s voice was barely a whisper, weak even through the line.

Stephanie’s heart skipped a beat. “What happened to you?”

“Stefi, help…” was all Allison got out before her voice cut off.

Stephanie’s eyes widened. The word “help” sent a jolt through her. Any trace of sleepiness was gone in an instant. “Where are you? What happened?” she demanded urgently.

“Allison? Allison?” Stephanie kept calling her name, but there was only silence on the other end, drowned out by chaotic noises in the background.

Stephanie’s heart lurched into her throat. She raced downstairs while shouting into the phone. “Allison, say something! Don’t scare me like this!” But no matter how many times she called out, there was only silence.

She was about to sprint for the door when Henry stepped in front of her. “Ms. Giovanni,” he asked, “which driver went to pick up Allison? Where are they? Check now!” Stephanie’s voice trembled with urgency.

Henry’s face was grim. “Ms. Pierce was in an accident.”

Stephanie’s breath caught. She stared at Henry in disbelief. “What?”

Henry explained, “I just got a call. Ms. Pierce was in a bad car accident.”

“How is she?” Stephanie’s voice shook. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, especially after that strange phone call with Allison earlier.

Henry replied, “The driver’s awake now. He said Ms. Pierce passed out, but he’s already called 911.”

Stephanie’s heart was racing. “I’m going to check it out,” she said, already heading for the door.

Henry offered, “I’ll get a car ready.”

“Don’t bother.” Stephanie was already gone. “Just send me the location,” she called over her shoulder.

Henry started to say something, but Stephanie had already grabbed the keys and was out the door. She didn’t even pause to put on a coat, still in her loungewear.

Henry felt a pang of worry. “Hurry and bring her a coat,” he told the maid, as he sent Stephanie the location.

Outside, the sound of the car engine roared to life. The screech of tires and the revving engine made it clear she was in a hurry.

Henry’s anxiety spiked at the noise. With all that ice and snow, the roads had to be treacherous, and he couldn’t shake his worry for Stephanie’s safety. He took the clothes from the maid and walked out, already calling Sebastian.