Estelle thought she had already resolved to throw everything away in order to avenge her parents' deaths. Even if she died, it would not bring any significant impact to the lives of the people around her. Lucille might feel sad, but the man would surely recover and move on with his life. That was why she dared to provoke Hector.
However, this time she was wrong. The man in front of her would not be able to survive if he were dragged into the chaos of her life. Sadly, he had already gotten caught up in the mess by accident.
"I thought something had happened to you!" he said anxiously. "I tried contacting you, but your number was inactive. I went to your house, but no one could tell me where you were. I even reported you missing to the police, yet there was still no news about you. What exactly happened?"
Julius Goodfrey was Estelle's only friend—the only person who had never hesitated to approach her and stay by her side during her darkest times. She had thought Julius would eventually forget about her if she disappeared without a word. But in reality, the man had searched for her in every corner of the city, like a chick that had lost its mother.
During Estelle's disappearance, he had frequently visited the police station to file a missing person report. Almost every day, he came just to discuss the progress of the investigation regarding her disappearance.
Of course, all of Julius' actions were beyond Estelle's expectations.
Even now, Julius was still holding her back at the café. The man was interrogating her, asking all kinds of questions about why she had suddenly vanished.
"It was a family matter, so I chose to settle it first."
Julius' blue eyes stared at Estelle carefully, as if searching for any sign that she was lying.
"Is that one of the reasons why you went to the police station?" Julius probed.
The girl fell silent, her gaze shifting toward Sandra, who was still calmly enjoying her coffee. Even so, Estelle was certain the bodyguard was carefully observing and listening to every word she said. Everything would become complicated if Julius found out about Hector's inhumane treatment toward her.
And that would put Julius in danger.
"Is all of this related to your parents?"
Estelle's brown eyes widened. Of course, even without her answering, Julius already knew his guess was correct. He understood Estelle's reactions very well.
"Did you find—"
"Julius," Estelle interrupted him. "My family matters are none of your concern."
The dark-haired man fell silent. Instead of replying, Julius took out his phone and handed it to Estelle.
"Then give me your new contact," he said. "Please don't disappear without a word again. At the very least, let me make sure you're safe."
Estelle pressed her lips into a thin line. The phone given by Hector was surely tapped. If she gave her contact to Julius, would everything really be fine?
"Come on, Esse," Julius coaxed her. "I might end up living at the police station if I lose contact with you again."
Giving in, Estelle finally gave him her new number. Forget about Hector. Whatever happened after this, she would deal with it herself.
"Don't contact me too often," Estelle suggested.
A smile spread across the man's lips. "Request denied. I'll send you a message every day to make sure you're alright."
No. Estelle wouldn't continue to argue. She was already exhausted because of Hector, and she did not want to add another mental burden. On the other hand, Julius looked completely innocent. The man smiled brightly as he slipped his phone back into his jacket pocket.
"So, what happened?"
Estelle sighed. "It's a long story. But if you want to help, have you ever met Edward Wright while visiting the police station?"
Julius rested his hand on his chin, thinking for a moment.
"Edward Wright… I don't think I've ever met him."
A sigh escaped her lips. "I see…"
"But if you want to meet him—"
"No," Estelle refused. "I will do it myself."
Estelle stood up, intending to leave, but Julius grabbed her hand.
"Esse, don't you consider me your friend? Let me help you."
The girl sighed once more before turning her head. "It's better if you go home right now."
Julius understood that Estelle had turned him down in a subtle way. Reluctantly, he released her hand and allowed her to leave.
"Tell me if you ever need someone to talk to!"
Julius' voice echoed, drawing the attention of the café visitors. However, Estelle did not react at all. She continued walking quickly and left.
***
After meeting Julius, she went to the police station. And what Julius had said was indeed true. The officer named Edward Wright was no longer working there. One year after the case involving Estelle's parents was closed, Edward took early retirement and moved out of the city.
Was all of this merely a coincidence?
For some reason, Estelle's head felt unusually heavy today. She made up her mind to think about it some more tomorrow. Turning toward the window, her brown eyes gazed at the purplish sky above the setting sun. Unfortunately, the view was blocked by dense trees as they passed through the front gate of Nightwood Mansion.
After passing through the rather spacious garden, they arrived at the main entrance of Nightwood Mansion. The car Estelle was riding in stopped, and she stepped out with a gloomy expression. The thought of having to face Hector right away after such a long day took a toll on her mental state.
"Miss, Master Hector has instructed me to escort you directly to your room," Sandra said.
"The same room as yesterday? The place where the assassins were slaughtered?"
Sandra fell silent before nodding. "It has already been cleaned and renovated, so you don't need to worry."
Estelle could only curse inwardly. What kind of lunatic could sleep in a place where a massacre had happened and where he himself was almost killed? Whatever Hector's mind was made of, it was certainly not normal.
With reluctant steps, Estelle followed Sandra to where Hector was waiting. However, before entering Hector's room, she noticed something strange about the room next to his, which was tightly locked. Among all the rooms, that door looked far more luxurious, even more than Hector's own door. Yet chains and a padlock sealed it shut.
"Why is the room next door sealed?"
Sandra turned to her. "Only Master Hector is allowed to enter."
Frowning, Estelle grew even more curious. "Why?"
The bodyguard hesitated, reluctant to answer.
Seeing Sandra's reluctance, Estelle guessed it must be a major secret, perhaps even Hector's weakness.
"Maybe I should ask him directly," Estelle probed.
The short-haired woman flinched before looking at Estelle pleadingly.
"That room was meant for Master's former fiancée-to-be."
"Wait, I don't understand," Estelle said, processing the information.
"Master… loved that girl very much and was devastated when their engagement was broken. So Master kept everything related to her as memories."
Estelle was stunned. Believing that a fish could live on land sounded far more convincing than believing Hector Nightwood was capable of love like a normal human being. It was simply too hard to believe.
"If there are no more questions, please come in, Miss," Sandra said as she opened the door.
Estelle only nodded before stepping inside. Once the door closed behind her, her gaze swept across the room and found Hector sitting on the bed with the most irritating smile. However, the rope and small whip in his hands made her terrified.
"The first time I allow you to go out, and you already start flirting with another man outside."
Estelle's throat tightened. Even as he approached, her body remained frozen. Hector was undoubtedly aware of her meeting with Julius. And now, he was furious.
"Tell me, Little Lioness… should I gouge out your eyes so you won't be able to look at another man again?"
***