<h4>Chapter 485: Strange Sounds</h4>


    E kept her eyes closed, obediently following Eric’s instructions.


    She trusted this manpletely, confident that he wouldn’t let her down.


    Eric approached her and began dressing her.


    It took quite an effort, but he finally managed to finish. E’s cheeks flushed slightly.


    "What are you doing?" Her heart raced wildly. She had no idea what he was up to, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.


    How long had it been since shest felt nervous like this?


    They’d been married for so long that E felt the passion between them had mellowed. Sometimes, she even wondered if she had grown tired of Eric, but such absurd thoughts were always dismissed quickly.


    "Don’t ask," Eric said with a mischievous chuckle. "While your dad and brother aren’t around, we’ve got to make the most of it. It’s not as convenient when they’re here!"


    Eughed softly. "Honey, it looks like you’re really taking this chance to create some romance!"


    "Of course. Aren’t you going to thank me?"


    "Thank you, darling!"


    As they spoke, Eric finished dressing and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her outside. E felt a bit anxious but reminded herself that Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Moore were with the kids, the chefs had gone home, and the house was otherwise quiet.


    Even the bodyguards had gone to bed early, thanks to the house’s robust security system. They no longer had to stay upte like before.


    Eric carried E to the garage and ced her in the car.


    "A drive?" E eximed in surprise. "Where are we going sote?" she asked softly.


    "You’ll find out soon enough!" Eric replied with a wicked grin. He kissed her lightly on the lips and let his hand wander, drawing a soft, enticing sigh from E.


    The car started, and E kept her eyes tightly shut. She couldn’t tell where they were heading but clearly heard the sound of the gate opening.


    The automated gate opened smoothly as the car slid through, closing behind them as they drove toward the back of the estate.


    The estate was massive, spanning over 500 square meters for the vi alone, with surrounding grounds measuring in the tens of thousands.


    Getting such a property for five billion was quite a steal, E mused. Thinking back to her past self, she admitted she’d been foolish. Robert would never have been able toe up with five billion to buy such an estate.


    Besides, even if he had, without connections, buying a manor-style vi like this for five billion would have been impossible.


    After three or four minutes, the car stopped, and Eric carried E out.


    Where were they?


    Still keeping her eyes closed, E sensed a faint light breaking through the darkness.


    Eric opened a door.


    Huh? It turned out to be the small house deep within the estate.


    This little house was typically reserved for long-term workers or gardeners to rest. However, Eric felt it was inconvenient to have outsiders staying here, as it posed potential safety risks. Instead, he hired part-time workers who only came a few times a month to handle tasks like fertilizing nts or trimming trees.


    With automatic sprinklers in the garden, manual watering wasn’t necessary. Most of the maintenance required minimal effort.


    "Can I open my eyes now?" E asked softly.


    "Not yet. Be patient," Eric replied, his mischievous chuckle making E purse her lips slightly.


    What was this man nning? Why did she smell flowers? It was a blend of roses, osmanthus, and orchids...


    Click—


    The soft sound of Eric switching off the lights echoed in the room.


    "Okay, now you can open your eyes!"


    He chuckled, and E opened her eyes, instantly widening them in surprise.


    When had this house been transformed into a maze?


    Although there was no moonlight, E saw countless petals scattered across the floor, and foam walls covered with beautifully designed wallpaper.


    A romantic, ethereal, and mysterious atmosphere enveloped her.


    Particrly enchanting was the cool, silvery moonlight streaming through the ss windows. The soft, hazy light resembled a delicate veil, gently illuminating everything in the room.


    E giggled softly. Lowering her gaze, she caught sight of her outfit under the dim light—she was wearing... a rather provocative set of pajamas!


    OMG, what is Eric up to? she wondered, her face flushing slightly.


    Did he really set this all up to... y at romance here?


    "How did youe up with such a crazy idea? And when did this house turn into this?" E asked with augh, turning her head, only to realize that Eric was nowhere to be seen.


    She froze in shock.


    "Eric? Where did you go?"


    Her soft, sweet voice echoed in the room, but there was no reply.


    E reached out to flip on a light switch, but the moment she pressed it, the overhead light bathed the room in a mysterious purple glow. The light wasn’t very bright, but it made the romantic space feel even more enigmatic.


    On the walls, scenes from fairy tales appeared.


    E felt deeply moved. Even though such decorations weremon, the maze-like setup intrigued her. What was it for?


    She called Eric’s name twice more, but still no answer came.


    E’s heart skipped a beat. What’s going on with him?


    "Eric,e out! Stop scaring me!" she called out, her voice tinged with anxiety. She nced down at her gauzy pajamas and suddenly recalled the mysterious letters they’d received. What if... the mysterious sender had taken advantage of the absence of bodyguards and kidnapped Eric?


    The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became. Slowly, E backed out of the house, her eyes scanning her surroundings. Eric’s car was still parked outside.


    Ahead of hery an expanse of deep, shadowy ocean. The water shimmered with cold, silvery light under the moon’s gentle kiss, and the waves rippled softly. From the nearby forest came strange insect calls that E had never heard before.


    "Eric! Come out!" she shouted again.


    Still no response.


    E frowned. Is he ying hide-and-seek with me? What a childish game! Yet... there was something undeniably thrilling about the whole setup.


    With no other choice, E decided to head back inside. She slipped off her shoes and carefully stepped onto the maze-like path.


    The house was approximately a hundred square meters, and the previously open living room had been divided into narrow corridors with foam walls. As E ventured deeper, she found herself going in circles, unsure of how to navigate back.


    The further she went, the more disoriented she became, her unease growing with each step.


    Yet, the sight of flower petals strewn everywhere and the soothing floral fragrance calmed her nerves somewhat. After all, this is Eric’s territory. No outsider would dare break in. She exhaled softly, allowing herself to rx a little.


    Just as she was meandering through the winding path, a muffled groan suddenly broke the silence, sending a jolt of fear through her!


    Could it really be as I feared? Could someone have actually broken in?


    This time, E dared not call out Eric’s name again. She held her breath, straining to listen. There it was—another strange sound.


    It sounded like... someone being dragged.


    E’s heart raced wildly. She felt around her body but found nothing she could use as a weapon!


    The house offered no suitable objects for defense either. E realized that she might have no choice but to face whatever—or whoever—was there with her bare hands.