Chapter 0005

Author: Miss Rich Last Updated: 2024-10-16 15:18:16

Dylan’s eyes flicked back to the balcony, giving Desmond a subtle glance. Desmond searched the area and reported, “Sir, there’s no one here.”

“Call the doctor,” Dylan’s gaze turned cold. “And tell the hospital to lock down all exits. No one enters or leaves without my explicit authorization.”

“Yes, sir!”

After the doctor confirmed that only blood had been drawn, Anne breathed a sigh of relief. The attacker’s identity remained a mystery, and her vulnerable state fueled her fear. What puzzled her most was why someone would go to such lengths simply to draw her blood.

However… Anne’s eyes welled with tears. “Mr. Dylan, there’s something I’ve hesitated to mention, but she’s gone too far this time.” This was her chance to smear Suzy’s reputation, and she wouldn't miss it. Gripping his hand, she wept harder. “I’m already half-dead from the poison—why won’t she leave me alone? Does she think I’m not dying fast enough, so she sends someone to drain my blood in the middle of the night?”

Dylan’s expression darkened, but he didn’t respond directly. “We’ve found someone who can cure you with an antidote.”

Anne’s eyes widened in surprise, quickly masked. “But… I was told this poison is incurable.”

“There’s always someone better. We’ve arranged everything with a miracle doctor named Red Falcon, who will detoxify you. You’ll be cured soon.”

“Red Falcon?” Anne questioned, concealing her unease. “Is she truly that skilled?”

“Mr. Martin from North Avenue had a terminal illness, and her treatment led to a full recovery.” Dylan’s voice softened. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything.”

For Anne, it was always “I’ll handle everything…” For Suzy, it was always “This doesn’t concern me…”

Hidden in the bathroom, Suzy had braced herself for Dylan’s tenderness toward Anne. Yet, his gentle tone pierced her, unexpectedly painful. It still stung.

Tired of eavesdropping, Suzy silently opened the window and escaped. Like a bat in the night, she vanished without a trace.

At the hospital entrance, Allen, anxious from waiting, was about to enter when he spotted Suzy emerging. He hurried from the car, quickly assessing her. “Boss, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Suzy said, continuing to walk. “Stop worrying.”

But Allen sensed something was wrong. Logically, given Suzy’s influence, he shouldn’t worry. But the ambush three years ago had left deep scars. He couldn’t forget seeing her fall from that cliff. For three years, he’d hated himself for failing to protect her. So, when she’d called to say she was alive, he swore to protect her, even at the cost of his own life. He wanted to handle this mission, but she wouldn’t let him.

From the rearview mirror, Allen watched Suzy’s silent profile. He felt a complicated undercurrent between her and Anne. He needed a discreet investigation.

Before he fully focused on the road, Suzy caught him staring. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Boss, did you identify the poison?”

Suzy paused. “It’s Scarlet Veil.”

“Screech!” The brakes squealed as Allen slammed on them in shock. “Scarlet Veil? That was your masterpiece! Didn’t you destroy it and the formula three years ago?”

“There’s one last dose… with the Harlow family.”

“Claude Harlow?” Allen’s eyes widened. “What grudge could he have against a young girl? Everyone knows that poison starts mildly, but a second exposure… she’ll be a rabid dog…”

Suzy had created the poison to deal with a past monster. Even she was confused. The Harlows and Wrights had no history. In fact, the Harlows did business with the Wheelers. If Claude was behind the poisoning, he couldn’t have been involved in the earlier kidnapping. That was certain. He couldn't have allowed Suzy to nearly die in that explosion.

No matter who it was, she was determined to find them. It wasn’t about proving her innocence to Dylan; she wouldn't endure that humiliation. The kidnapping, the ambush, her family's murder—she wouldn't let them escape justice.

Her eyes burned with hatred as Allen handed her the phone. “Boss, Dylan wants to arrange treatment immediately.”

Thinking of his deceit and feigned tenderness, she said, “Tell him the deal’s off.” Two hundred million dollars was tempting, but she was more intrigued by Anne's fate after the second wave of poisoning.

In the corridor outside Anne’s room, Dylan’s face was expressionless, but his eyes were icy. “What did you say? Repeat it.”

Desmond, bracing himself, repeated, “Red Falcon said the deal is off.” He regretted mentioning Red Falcon to Dylan. She’d demanded a huge sum, and now she was backing out. Didn't she know his temper?

Suppressing his rage, Dylan growled, “Give me the phone.”

Desmond quickly obeyed. Dylan dialed. The phone rang unanswered, again and again. Finally, a soft voice answered, “Sorry, I was busy.”

Desmond wiped the sweat from his brow. Thank goodness—otherwise, his phone would have been destroyed. The phone itself was insignificant, but the data it held was priceless.

“I’m looking for Red Falcon,” Dylan said bluntly.

“She’s unavailable. Tell me what you need, and I’ll pass it along.”

Dylan's eyes narrowed. “The price was agreed upon. Why cancel now?”

“Please, Mr. Wright, calm down. Canceling is abrupt, and we apologize, but we have reasons. Do you think we’d walk away from two hundred million dollars without a reason?”

“What’s the reason?”

“That’s confidential, Mr. Wright. Find someone else quickly before Miss Anne misses her chance for treatment.”

Without waiting for a reply, the caller hung up. The next second…

Smash! Desmond watched in despair as another phone was destroyed. His heart ached even more.

“Find her!” Dylan ordered, his voice cold. He was determined to discover her game. Desmond wanted to say, “Easier said than done,” considering not only Red Falcon but also Suzy’s prolonged disappearance. Why did every woman around him seem to enjoy playing hide-and-seek?

Inside her room, Anne had overheard the commotion. After Dylan and Desmond left, she locked the door and retrieved a hidden phone. “Dylan found someone for an antidote, but they backed out.” She sneered. “He raves about Red Falcon, but she’s all talk. She probably realized she couldn't cure me and ran.”

“If she created the poison, she definitely knows the cure.”

“So, you know her? If she made it, why refuse to help? I overheard Dylan offering two hundred million dollars!” Anne knew how important she was to Dylan. The truth didn't matter. Once she secured her place as his wife, his feelings would protect her, even if he discovered she wasn't his savior.

There was a pause before the other voice responded, “Isn’t this what you wanted? You’ll soon face the second wave. I hope your wishes come true.”

“Thanks. Once I secure Dylan, you’ll be richly rewarded.”

The quickest way to learn if Claude was involved was to ask him. Though unlikely, Suzy decided to meet him; after all, they hadn’t seen each other in three years. Returning to Hillside Villa, she asked Allen to locate Claude. Before she finished an apple, Allen had the answer: “Claude’s on a business trip to Montara.”

“Book a flight.”

The next morning, Suzy flew to Montara. Allen wanted to come, but she refused, giving him other tasks. Three years since her last flight, she felt free, like a bird returning to the sky. For three years, her life had revolved around Dylan. Trying to be the perfect wife, she barely left home, consumed with caring for him. She rose at five to make breakfast, hand-washed all his clothes, and counted the minutes until his return. Looking back, she couldn’t believe she'd lived like that.

After landing, she went to Claude’s hotel, only to learn, “Mr. Claude checked out early this morning.” Suzy was speechless. She’d planned a surprise. Oh well, she decided to treat it as a vacation, shopping extensively before her flight home. Being single had its advantages! Distance from men was preferable.

At the airport, Suzy saw Allen waiting. “Over here…”

Her smile vanished. Dylan? Surrounded by people, he was heading straight for her. Suzy turned, thinking, “Another unlucky day.” It wasn't fear; she simply didn't want to see him, and she doubted he wanted to see her. To avoid a confrontation, she ducked into the restroom.

Dylan scanned the area. “Are you sure she was on this flight?”

Desmond, sweating, stammered, “I’ve checked several times. Mrs. Wright was definitely on this flight from Montara.” He’d been thrilled at the news. Suzy’s disappearance, Red Falcon’s cancellation, and the woman who’d escaped the hospital lockdown—three women had pushed Dylan to the brink. Thank goodness there was news of Suzy. Otherwise, Desmond would be the first casualty of Dylan's fury.

Wiping his brow, Desmond said, “I’ve got people at every exit. We’ll find her soon.”

Half an hour later… Dylan’s voice was icy. “Where is she?”

Desmond wished he could bite his tongue. It’s best not to speak too soon! He couldn’t believe how easily Suzy, an ordinary person, vanished.

“Desmond, your performance is slipping. If this continues, I might send you to South Allica for additional training,” Dylan said coldly, walking away. Suzy had probably escaped. He’d seriously underestimated her abilities.

Outside, sleek black cars were parked, the lead one especially impressive. Desmond opened the door for Dylan, who was about to enter when he spotted something…

Instantly, Dylan turned, took several swift strides, and grabbed the shoulder of a woman nearby.