The ambient lighting cast a glow on Vincent’s sharply defined features, highlighting his deep, dark eyes. Suddenly, Katelyn’s face came to mind, swiftly replaced by Hades’. All the suspicions he harbored seemed to align now. The identity hidden behind that mask seemed to blur and sharpen intermittently. His instincts told him he was on the right track.
Yet, his theories were disrupted as the door swung open and two figures entered together. Katelyn, linking arms with Hades, approached and acknowledged him. “Mr. Adams.”
Vincent’s meticulous scrutiny moved from Katelyn to focus on the enigmatic mask worn by Hades. He gave a slight nod in response to their greeting. Katelyn, flashing a brief smile, took a seat first, and Hades settled into the adjacent chair.
Apologizing for their tardiness, Katelyn said, “Sorry we’re a bit late, Mr. Adams; the traffic was quite heavy.” Hades offered a subtle nod toward Vincent, hinting at an apology.
“No worries,” Vincent responded, settling into his seat across from them, his gaze carefully analyzing both Katelyn and Hades. At that moment, he felt a twinge of doubt. Could he be making too much out of nothing?
Still, with the mask, it would be hard to tell if someone else was behind it. Katelyn nonchalantly hung her purse on her chair’s back, offering a breezy smile. “Seeing us together now, any lingering doubts should be cleared up, right?”
Vincent quirked an eyebrow, his gaze locking on Hades. “Isn’t this the time you usually prepare medication for Carol? Have you already taken care of that, Dr. Hades?” He paused briefly, his suspicions persisting. Something didn’t seem right about that mask.
Hades responded with a weak smile. However, it was Katelyn who replied, “Her health is currently stable, and her medication regimen won’t change for the next few days.”
? ? ν﹒
Although Katelyn was quick to respond, her eagerness only deepened Vincent’s doubts. Since their arrival, Hades had remained silent. Vincent noticed a certain hesitancy in Hades, a stark contrast to her usual assertive demeanor. Clearly, these were two distinct personalities.
With a skeptical look, Vincent asked gently, “What would you like to eat? The restaurant offers a variety of specialties. Dr. Hades, want to look at the menu?”
Hades tightened her grip into a fist, remaining silent. Katelyn started to intervene, but Vincent’s sharp glance cut her off, carrying a warning undertone. “Katelyn, I was trying to talk to Dr. Hades. Why isn’t she responding? Is something wrong?”
Katelyn understood the subtle threat hidden in Vincent’s words, and her fists tightened on instinct. She knew her plan was a gamble—one that could go very wrong. But if she didn’t take this chance, she’d be forced to deal with Vincent’s endless suspicion forever. Now, the whole plan rested on whether the fake Hades could pull it off.
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