Chapter 137

By the time their car pulled into a roadside inn at the edge of the town, rain had started pouring down in heavy sheets. Thunder rumbled above, and lightning cracked across the sky, making the entire place feel even more unsettling.

The inn looked more like a converted village home than a hotel. It had a main lobby that doubled as a store, selling cigarettes, alcohol, and snacks. They also offered simple meals but at an extra cost. The lobby was loud and crowded, filled with people laughing and drinking. Men and women, some half-drunk, were slouched around the tables, creating a chaotic, smoky atmosphere.

As soon as Shermaine stepped inside, the stench of smoke and liquor hit her. The moment she appeared, dozens of eyes turned her way. She was too beautiful, bright-skinned, and stunning. Several men immediately stared, expressions blank as they forgot whatever else they’d been doing.

Years of self-discipline and training had taught him how to conceal the deadly edge beneath his calm exterior. In Basterel, people always sensed his power and never dared to look him in the eye, only because they knew who he was. But in this unfamiliar place, no one knew who he was.

When he saw how many men were openly ogling Shermaine, a cold glint flashed through his eyes. Something violent stirred beneath his calm shell.

He slid his hand around her waist and murmured, “Over there.” He nodded to a quieter corner.

“Okay,” Shermaine said softly. She knew his gesture wasn’t for show; he was trying to protect her. She didn’t need protection, not really, but she wasn’t about to reject a gesture made out of concern.

“James, get the rooms,” Joshua said, his tone cool and measured.

“Yes, Mr. York.”

They remained standing, making no move to find seats. Joshua let go of Shermaine’s waist and used his body to shield her from prying eyes. Once the rooms were booked, they could come back down for some food–or maybe Joshua would borrow the kitchen, cook something himself, and bring it upstairs. In short, there was no way Joshua would let Shermaine dine with that rowdy crowd.

Where they were standing, a few young people stood out from the others sitting nearby–their vibe noticeably cleaner and more genuine. Among them, a short-haired girl smiled shyly at Shermaine and greeted her, “Hello.”

Shermaine glanced at her.

With a shy blink, she stammered, “M–my name is Cherry Tatum. You’re really beautiful!”

Shermaine nodded slightly. “Hello,” she said. After a brief pause, she asked, “College student?”

Cherry’s eyes widened in surprise. Lowering her voice, she stammered, “Is… is it that obvious?”

“It is,” Shermaine replied. If she wasn’t wrong, this group was likely from the history department. Three guys, two girls–probably drawn here by the rumors of the Cursed Queen’s tomb.

She added, “If you came because of that tomb, I’d suggest turning back. Now.” It wasn’t even about whether they could make it inside. If they clashed with the wrong crowd, they’d be the first to get hurt.

They really were here out of curiosity about the tomb. Just its name alone sounds unbelievable. Cherry grinned and said, “Don’t worry. We’ve got a local classmate to show us around.”

Shermaine gave a slight nod.

Before she could respond, her female classmate pulled her aside and hissed, “Why are you talking to strangers? Look around. Besides us, do any of them actually look trustworthy?”

Cherry said, “Oh, Kathy, don’t jump to conclusions. That pretty girl seems really nice.”

Kathy Holmes shot Shermaine a skeptical look and muttered, “Nice? Yeah, right. Just keep your mouth shut and don’t get us into trouble.”

Shermaine raised an eyebrow. Suspicion was one thing, but that look of disdain?

“Sheary,” Joshua suddenly said.

“Hmm?”

He glanced at the students, his expression cool. “Don’t talk to strangers. None of them look like decent people.”

Wasn’t he just throwing that girl’s words back at her? Joshua must’ve noticed the way she looked at her, and now he was standing up for her in his own way.

She smirked faintly. “Okay.”

Kathy flushed, then turned pale. She wanted to retort, but as a stranger here, she didn’t dare offend anyone and held her tongue.

Following Joshua’s instructions, James requested two single rooms–next to each other–and one double room. But the owner, worried about limited availability and expecting more guests, replied bluntly, “One double room and one single room. That’s all I have.”

Unable to make the decision herself, James had no choice but to report the situation to Joshua.

Joshua immediately said, “Just offer more money.”

Shermaine disagreed. They had the money, sure. But there was no need to waste it. “Just get two double rooms.”