Chapter 402

Ross called the waiter over and ordered a plate of meatballs.

“Here are the meatballs,” the waiter said.

“Thanks,” Ross replied.

Ross picked a meatball up, dipped it in sauce, blew on it a couple of times to cool it down before he finally held it up to Danielle’s mouth. “Here, have a bite.”

Danielle had gotten used to being pampered like this. She opened her mouth out of habit–and only after biting down did she realize they weren’t alone.

During the night, the dinner was filled with laughter and warmth.

Meanwhile, deep in the city’s sewer system, Natalie had no idea where she was anymore. Her wounds had mostly healed, but a ravenous hunger clawed at her sanity, urging her to feed now.

A rat scurried past her. She lunged, caught it, and without a second thought, shoved it into her mouth. She swallowed it whole–but the moment it slid down her throat, nausea roiled in her gut. Gagging, she shoved her fingers down her throat, desperate to claw it back out.

She wondered in despair, ‘What’s the difference between me and a beast now? Even beasts aren’t this horrifying.’

Hatred twisted through her like a knife. She screamed, raw and shrill, the sound echoing through the damp, black tunnels.

‘Why am I the only one who has to suffer? Why am I the only one who became a monster?’ she cried in her heart. She seethed with malice toward the entire world, a dark aura of hostility radiating from her every pore.

Tonight, everyone had a hearty beef stew, and it was 10 PM when they finally returned to the hotel.

Just then, a car pulled up outside the hotel. With the window open, Bruce rested his hand on the frame, a cigarette between his fingers. He held his phone to his ear, but the call just wouldn’t connect.

The driver glanced back. It was rare for him to see his boss this concerned for a woman. However, he thought, ‘What a pity, though. Dr. Jean already has a partner, so Mr. Xavier can’t even have any ideas about her.’

The call still wouldn’t connect, but Bruce showed no intention of leaving. He had Steve’s number and was just about to dial it when a car pulled up in front of the hotel.

Shermaine stepped out of the car, followed closely by Joshua. Then, her family followed.

The night breeze picked up. Joshua buttoned up her coat for her, a subtle, restrained smile playing on his lips. Then, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the center of her brow.

But someone just had to ruin the moment. Stephen rubbed his belly and let out a satisfied burp. Stuffed, he thought, ‘The beef stew was amazing. I could go for more.’ Then, he even smacked his lips.

He thought to himself, ‘Once we’re back in Bastere, I’ll sneak out for beef stew alone. I absolutely can’t let anyone catch me.’

Hearing the burp, Shermaine looked at him with amusement. “Dad really enjoyed the meal, huh?”

Joshua said nothing, his face impassive.

Stephen coughed awkwardly. “I’ve always had a good appetite,” he said defensively, his eyes darting away sheepishly. “I’m tired, and I think I’ll turn in for the night. Good night, everyone.”

With that, he slipped away.

“Ever since Stephen came back, he’s felt a little… off,” Janice commented, watching him go. “Though I must say, he’s gotten more cheerful and animated.”

Shermaine smiled without saying a word.

Joshua lowered his gaze slightly and thought wryly, ‘Of course he’s different. They’re not even the same person. I’m just waiting for the right time to rip off that mask of his.’

Not far away, Bruce witnessed the scene but knew better than approaching them. Without hesitation, he ordered, “Let’s go. Head back.”

“Got it, Mr. Xavier,” his driver said.

Back in the hotel room, Shermaine was already tinkering with the drone. She needed to modify it before sending it down into the sewers. Otherwise, it’d short out for sure.

While tinkering with the drone, she nibbled on the desserts Joshua had brought her.

Joshua moved straight into Shermaine’s room. Fresh out of the shower, droplets of water still clung to his damp hair. His robe hung loosely, revealing a glimpse of his chest. He walked up behind Shermaine, wrapped his arms around her, and murmured, “How much longer until you’re done?”

“About half an hour,” Shermaine replied.

Joshua then got up to dry his hair. After half an hour, Shermaine was still tinkering away with the drone. Joshua chuckled, scooped her up in his arms, and said, “Go shower. I’ll take over.”

Caught off guard, Shermaine instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.

She’d already finished upgrading the system and setting up the program; all that was left was for her to reassemble the parts. Leaning down, she pressed a kiss to Joshua’s lips. “I’ll leave the rest to you, Mr. York.”

“Anything for you,” Joshua replied.

Joshua carried her into the bathroom, murmuring, “Want a bath?”

“It’s too late for that,” she said, shaking her head.

Joshua nuzzled against her, stealing a few more kisses. He murmured, “Go get into your pajamas.”