“Didn’t you hear that sound? The bell! It rang. Help me find it!”

Stanley fell silent, his expression strange and hesitant, as if he wanted to speak but dared not. Felicia seemed to realize something and stared intently at Stanley. Although phrased as a question, her tone was certain. “You didn’t hear it?”

He hadn’t; panic threatened. “Ma’am, the surroundings are completely quiet. There’s no sound at all.”

Indeed, there was silence. It was noon, and the scorching sun beat down mercilessly. The area was devoid of tourists or worshippers. Even the rustling of the wind was barely a whisper.

Felicia froze.

“Ma’am, are… you okay?” Noticing her increasingly pale complexion, Stanley grew nervous, worried she might be having a breakdown. He considered steadying her but hesitated.

“I’m fine.”

She continued forward and found the chapel’s abbot sitting on a cushion, meditating with his eyes closed. He gave no sign of acknowledging her arrival. Only after she spoke did he stir.

“Sir, pardon my intrusion, but did you happen to hear a bell ringing just now? Or do you have any bells in this chapel?”

The abbot recited a string of chants before replying slowly, “Ma’am, this chapel doesn’t have what you’re seeking.”

Felicia pondered this, unease washing over her. She hadn’t mentioned searching for anything, yet the abbot’s words seemed to grasp her purpose, as if he could read her mind. Was this a cryptic religious response, or something else?

She had given up hope. Stanley hadn’t heard the bell, and her search had been fruitless. Further pursuit seemed pointless.

“Sorry to bother you.”

She stood and prepared to leave. As she turned, the abbot opened his eyes. His prayer ceased; he watched her retreating figure. Almost imperceptibly, he shook his head. A soft sigh escaped his lips.

On the way down the mountain, Stanley asked cautiously, “Ma’am, where to next?”

Felicia’s mood had stabilized. Though she hadn’t found the bell, other avenues remained. Libraries or archives might hold relevant records or descriptions. She would have to comb through every resource. It was a monumental task, but seeing Stanley, the perfect helper, she decided to utilize his skills.

Patting his shoulder, Felicia said in a friendly tone, “Gather every book and piece of material related to bronze bells and send them to my house. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Stanley nodded. “No problem.”

The Russell family’s subordinates were renowned for their skill and efficiency. Before Felicia reached home, the requested books and documents had been delivered to her villa. She was very pleased.

By the time they reached the mountain base, evening had fallen. The setting sun cast a golden glow, gilding the old tower and lending it an air of solemnity. As expected of Sunset Mountain.

Felicia glanced back briefly before shifting her focus. Once in the car, her phone rang, reminding her of an earlier missed call. Checking the screen, she was surprised. The call was from Sebastian.

Since leaving the Fuller family and their café confrontation, they hadn't been in contact. Their tenuous sibling bond had been severed. Now, seeing his name, Felicia’s instincts told her he was calling to accuse her again.