<h4>Chapter 350: Chapter 350 Unexpected Invitation</h4>


    Author’s pov


    Silence fell over the cabin like a heavy nket as Zane’s words hung in the air.


    Cassian stared at him for a solid ten seconds, his expression unreadable. Then, with a deliberate slowness, he nced down at his phone.


    "First stop afternding?" he said, voice t. "The psychiatrist."


    He looked up again, disbelief written all over his face.


    "Cecilia has parents. She was born and raised in Denver. And you’re seriously sitting here wondering if she might be your daughter?"


    He let out a low scoff.


    "You’re losing it."


    Zane’s face went pale. He didn’t offer a word in response.


    Instead, he stood abruptly and walked toward the back of the cabin, shoulders stiff with tension.


    "Uncle Zane, stop avoiding it. I booked the damn appointment. You’re going, like it or not."


    Zane didn’t turn around. He just picked up his pace, disappearing through the door to the privatepartment.


    A few minutester, he sat alone in the corner, his posture rigid, agitation radiating off him like heat.


    He pulled out his phone, hands trembling slightly, and typed a quick message:


    [ Are the DNA results back yet? ]


    Cecilia’s pov


    I woke from a heavy sleep, groggy and disoriented. The bedside clock read just after 4 PM.


    Yulia walked in carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup and a thick slice of cornbread.


    "Martha sent this over," she said, setting it down carefully. "You tossed your lunch earlier, so I figured you’d be starving by now."


    It wasn’t just any soup. The broth was rich, with soft carrots, pulled chicken, and thick egg noodles. It smelled like something someone’s grandma would make on a snow day.


    Harper had a bowl too, plus an extra wedge of cornbread thered in butter.


    Harper leaned over with a mischievous grin. "Look at me, reaping all the benefits of your situation."


    Iughed and nudged her with my elbow. We took our bowls and settled on the balcony.


    Sunlight came through the eaves, and cicadas buzzed up in the trees. The breeze smelled like dry grass and pine. The vige looked so quiet, it almost felt like we were on a weekend getaway instead of hiding.


    For a moment, we forgot why we were here. It felt like visiting a beloved aunt’s country home.


    Then a honeybee swooped in,nding right on the edge of my bowl.


    My entire face shifted into panic mode. I iled my spoon like it was a sword.


    "Oh my God! Where did youe from? Shoo! This isn’t for you!"


    Yulia and Harper burst intoughter.


    From a tree branch on the second floor, Tang lounged like it was his personal hammock, legs dangling.


    He chuckled as he recorded the whole thing on his phone.


    A few minutester, my phone buzzed.


    I looked down to see a message from Sebastian:


    [ Looks like you’re having fun with your little bee friend. I’m almost jealous. ]


    Attached was a photo of me mid-il. My eyes were bulging, my mouth wide open, and my spoon frozen in the air.


    I nced up and spotted Tang slipping his phone back into his pocket with a grin.


    "You two are in cahoots, aren’t you?" I muttered, fingers flying across my screen.


    [ Hrious. Why don’t youe over and I’ll catch a whole jar of them for you to y with. ]


    I stared at the photo, already imagining a whole folder on Sebastian’s phone titled "Cecilia’s Greatest Hits."


    If I could remotely detonate that device, I would.


    His reply took its sweet time.


    [ Better start catching those bees then. ]


    I frowned. ssic Sebastian. Cryptic and smug.


    Yulia peeked over my shoulder. "Is that from Mr.Cassian?"


    "What? No," I said, blinking.


    "No?" She paused, clearly thrown off.


    Harper rolled her eyes beside me.


    The three of us exchanged nces, and for a second, silence stretched between us.


    Yulia broke it smoothly. "By the way, Martha has invited you both for lunch at her home tomorrow."


    Harper and I looked at each other, surprised.


    We’d only been here for two days, and already we were receiving lunch invitations?


    "Mr.Cassian told me Martha’s a wonderful person," Yulia added. "Levi and I will go with you. If you’re unsure, you can always check with him."


    I nodded, trying to smile. But part of me couldn’t help wondering: wasn’t she being just a little too weing?


    "It’s not that I’m worried," I said, keeping my tone light. "Just surprised by her generosity."


    Harper nodded. "Seriously. It’s sweet, but honestly, it’s almost too generous to feel casual."


    "Don’t overthink it," Yulia said with a warmugh. "Martha adores young people. Whenever Cassian visits, she insists he sit down for a full meal. Older folks get lonely, you know? She’ll be thrilled just to have some new conversation at the table."


    After that, it felt wrong to say no. We were already staying in their guest house, eating their food, enjoying their protection.


    I traded another nce with Harper, and we both nodded.


    That night, Harper and I decided to ask Tang to scout the area.


    Not because we were paranoid. Just trying to be responsibly cautious.


    Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, right?


    As darkness fell, Tang slipped out without a sound.


    Harper and I locked the bedroom door and pulled the curtains tight.


    The nighttime air felt thicker, more watchful somehow.


    Lying in bed, I listened to the chorus of insects and the asional owl call. Then came the sharp, eerie yowl of a cat somewhere outside.


    Sleep wasn’ting anytime soon.