Vincent’s expression darkened as he spoke in a low voice. “Right. Let’s keep quiet for now. We’ll see what we find.”
They’d been on the road for over an hour, with another thirty minutes ahead of them.
Katelyn nodded. An uncomfortable tension settled between them as their unease grew.
As Vincent guided the car through the manor’s gates, Katelyn’s trained eye began cataloging every detail of their surroundings.
Her breath caught—if she wasn’t mistaken, the surveillance system throughout the property consisted of top-tier equipment, the most advanced available worldwide. Years of experience allowed her to identify not just the cameras, but…
Their exact models and market values were clear at a glance. The surveillance setup alone must have cost a small fortune.
Such comprehensive coverage, eliminating virtually every blind spot, went far beyond the needs of any private residence. The sheer number of cameras rivaled those of maximum-security prisons.
A chill ran down her spine at the realization.
The car rolled to a stop in the designated parking area.
Without warning, a menacing voice cut through the darkness: “What are you doing here?”
Katelyn pivoted to meet Bernie’s penetrating gaze. The killing intent that had enveloped him vanished in the blink of an eye—so swiftly that Katelyn almost convinced herself she’d imagined it.
Yet something nagged at her. Years of dancing with death had honed Katelyn’s instincts to a razor’s edge. That sixth sense for murderous intent had never failed her.
Was her mind playing tricks on her? As doubt crept in, Katelyn found herself questioning her own judgment.
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Bernie’s features softened into a warm smile as he spoke with gentle courtesy. “Ah, Miss Bailey and Mr. Adams. What brings you here?”
“Mr. Norris,” Vincent replied, his tone measured. “Alfy called Katelyn in tears, begging to be picked up. Given Katelyn’s concern, we came straight away. I hope you’ll excuse our unexpected visit.” Though Vincent maintained a polite facade, his eyes held a shadow of suspicion.
Recognition dawned on Bernie’s face. He released a weary sigh, his gaze settling on them both. “That girl… Always running off instead of dedicating herself to her studies. I’m at my wit’s end with her.” Concern etched deep lines across his features, reminiscent of a strict patriarch disappointed in his ward’s rebellion.
Katelyn maintained a diplomatic smile, choosing discretion over commentary.
Bernie straightened, gesturing toward the hallway. “Come, I’ll show you to her room. She should be there now.”
“Thank you, Mr. Norris,” Katelyn inclined her head slightly.
“Think nothing of it,” Bernie dismissed with a wave. “She’s likely just having one of her moods.” He led the way.
As Katelyn moved to follow, Vincent’s hand found hers. She turned instinctively toward him, catching his subtle signal to keep a watchful eye on their host.
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