?Chapter 1503:


    Tasha’s face creased with worry as she set aside her cleaning rag. “Ms. Russell, is something wrong? Dr. Vance traveled overseas recently—he’s not in Choria at the moment. Do you need me to phone for an ambnce?”


    Learning that Jewell was abroad snuffed out the small me of hope that had kindled in Ste’s chest.


    She shook her head. “That’s not necessary. I’m fine.”


    Then, after a beat: “Any idea when he’ll return?”


    “Not exactly, but probably within a day or two.”


    Ste climbed back upstairs in silence, ignoring Tasha’s question about whether she wanted any breakfast.


    That afternoon, Luca appeared at the vi entrance, a garment bag draped over his arm as always. “Ms. Russell, Mr. Briggs is expecting you at the adventure park. You need to head there immediately.”


    Adventure park?


    Ste had no recollection of such a venue existing in Choria.


    “Did he mention why?” she ventured.


    Something shifted in Luca’s face, and he took a moment before answering, “Mr. Briggs said you know what you’ve done, and he’s calling you over to take responsibility for your actions.”


    A cold shiver crawled up Ste’s back.


    Ste changed clothes and let Luca drive her to the adventure sports park. Her pulse was racing before she even stepped out of the car.


    The park sat tucked in a valley outside the city limits. A massive bungee tower stretched skyward, piercing the clouds.


    No sun today—only mist curling through thendscape, amplifying Ste’s growing dread.


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    The deeper they went, the more extreme attractions materialized around them, yet tourists were oddly scarce. Actually, she could barely spot anyone at all.


    As the bungee tower loomed closer, Ste clenched her fists so hard her knuckles ached. Her mouth felt like sandpaper.


    She managed to speak, though her voice came out thin and unsteady. Fear shone inly in her eyes as she turned to Luca. “Why… why here?”


    Luca seemed at a loss, falling back on formality. “You’ll find out when you see Mr. Briggs, Ms. Russell. I honestly… don’t know much myself.”


    Ste wavered for a few seconds before forcing herself to continue.


    The valley wind cut like knives, whipping her hair into chaos and making her chest feel hollow.


    She wore only a in white T-shirt and jeans—nothing like the proper gear the sparse tourists had on.


    Before long, Luca brought her to the tower’s base. “Ms. Russell, Mr. Briggs is at the summit.”


    The summit?


    Ste pressed her lips together. She had a pretty good guess why William wanted her up there.


    Every instinct screamed at her to refuse, but Luca remained at her side, his presence a silent prod.


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