Meanwhile, Ste noticed that the chaos in the banquet hall was finally beginning to subside.


    Her mind, however, was consumed with thoughts of Bes safety.


    Aftermenting that the masked figure reminded her of someone she knew, she quickly lost interest in lingering any longer.


    She convinced herself it must have been her imagination.


    Being confined to the castle for so long had clearly made her see traces of Sanfords shadow in aplete stranger.


    Growing impatient, she said curtly, If you dont have anything to say, let me go.


    The man didnt release her wrist, but neither did he tighten his grip.


    Just as Ste was about to lose her patience, the man finally spoke, his voice low and muffled.


    Be careful. When Matthew shows up, Leave immediately.


    Dont stay here any longer.


    Hearing the person mention Matthew threw Ste off guard.


    She opened her mouth to press for more answers, but before she could, the man abruptly let go of her wrist and turned to leave.


    As she watched him retreat, something about his silhouette struck her as strangely familiar.


    Instinctively, she wanted to follow him, but before she could take a step, Be reappeared, having finally found her way back to her.


    Ste was about to exin what had just transpired when Howard and his secretary approached them.


    The secretarys gazended sharply on Ste, his tone cold and full of warning.


    Ms.


    Anderson, dont even think about trying to escape. The castle is secured with lots of guards.


    Without our authorization, you wont make it out.


    He paused for emphasis before adding, And remember, youre carrying a child.


    Dont do anything reckless.


    Bes face registered shock at the secretarys unexpected warning, confusion clouding her features.


    With a subtle nod, Ste silentlymunicated to Be that this was neither the time nor the ce for questions.


    Grasping the delicacy of the moment, Be opted to hold her tongue, her curiosity momentarily shelved.


    The unsettling dynamic between Howard and his secretary nagged at Ste, suggesting something ndestine was at y.


    Before Howard could utter a word, the secretary preemptively issued a stern warning, his tone betraying their collective ignorance of the chaos that had erupted in the banquet hall earlier.


    Could the mysterious man who had appeared and then vanished without a trace be not on the same side as them? If he wasnt part of their circle, then whose side was he on? Just then, a bodyguard approached swiftly and whispered to Ste, Maam, Matthews car has arrived at the entrance. A sigh of relief escaped Ste, though it was quickly shadowed by a creeping unease.


    Meanwhile, at the castle gates, Matthew sat ready in his car.


    He turned to Fernando and inquired, Everythings set on Nevilles end, right? Fernandos nod confirmed the ns were in motion.


    Their brief moment of calm was shattered by the shrill ring of Fernandos phone.


    He picked up immediately, his face turning stormy as the caller ryed the grim news.


    Ending the call with a grave expression, Fernando ryed to Matthew, saying, Lindsays been taken away.


    Our guys couldnt keep up.


    Matthews expression hardened.


    Who has she been rubbing shoulders withtely? he pressed.