Chapter 21
Victor walked out of Powell Manor, his expression stormy and unreadable. His mind kept replaying the way Albert had looked at Eliza with such disapproval after listening to Serena.
The more Victor thought about it, the more convinced he became that it was Serena’s jealousy at work. He believed that she must have gone behind his back and talked trash about Ellie in front of Albert.
The car sped down the road, its roaring engine a release for Victor’s emotions, until it finally screeched to a stop in front of Serena’s hotel.
When Serena heard the doorbell and opened the door to find Victor standing there, she froze for a second. Then she frowned and asked, “Why are you here again?”
Victor ignored the question, walked straight up to her with a grim face, and said, “Serena, I’m warning you–stop stirring things up in front of my dad and badmouthing Ellie.”
Serena’couldn’t believe what she was hearing. A wave of absurdity rose in her chest. She had no idea where Victor’s baseless accusations were even coming from.
She shot back, “What did I say? Victor, can you stop harassing me like this?”
Victor snapped, “Don’t play innocent. If you hadn’t filled my dad’s head with crap about Ellie, he wouldn’t hate her so much.”
Serena scoffed, furious at how ridiculous he was being, “You’re unbelievable. Your dad hates Eliza because he can see her for who she really is. You’re s wrapped around her finger. Of course you can’t see her true colors.”
“Shut up. You’re just jealous of Ellie,” Victor yelled, completely losing it.
Right now, Victor thought Serena was being irrational. In his eyes, Ellie was flawless, and everything Serena said was nothing more than jealous slande
Serena didn’t want to argue with him anymore. She swallowed her anger and said coldly, “I don’t wanna argue with you. Please leave.*
Without waiting for a response, she shut the door in his face and immediately called the front desk to have security escort Victor out.
It was a red–eye flight. In the early hours of the morning, the departure hall was nearly empty, with only a handful of travelers scattered around.
Serena stared out the window at the pitch–black night sky. Leaving this city felt like both a relief and a challenge.
After more than ten hours in the air, Serena finally arrived in Glonia. The unfamiliar city and unfamiliar language made her feel slightly uneasy.
Because she had left in such a rush, she could only book a hotel online so that she could have a place to stay for now. After checking in and setting do her luggage, she couldn’t wait to get out and take a walk.
Serena wandered through the hotel garden. In a quiet corner, she found a white bench and sat down, pulling out her phone, ready to call Tiana and le her know she was safe.
Just then, a small figure came stumbling over and suddenly threw herself into Serena’s arms.
It was a little girl, around four or five years old, wearing a pink dress and two pigtails. Her chubby cheeks were streaked with tears.
The girl clung tightly to Serena, her tiny body trembling. She whimpered softly, but couldn’t speak.
Serena gently patted her back and soothed her in a soft voice, saying, “It’s okay Don’t be scared. You’re safe now.”
The little girl looked up at Serena pitifully with wide, tear–filled eyes.
Chapter 21
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Serena felt her heart mett. She did her best to calm the girl down, speaking to her patiently, but the child seemed badly frightened and still couldn’t speak.
Serena checked her clothes and noticed a name embroidered on the collar–Alysta.
“Your name is Alyssa?” Serena asked.
Alyssa Brannon nodded.
Serena took a piece of chocolate from her bag and handed it to her. “Here, have some chocolate. It might help you feel better”
Alyssa hesitated for a moment, then finally took the chocolate and began nibbling on it slowly.
Seeing that Alyssa had calmed down a little, Serena asked gently, “Alyssa, where’s your family? Why are you out here alone?”
Alyssa looked at her timidly and shook her head, still silent.
Serena questioned again, “Did you get separated from your family?”
This time, Alyssa nodded, tears welling up in her eyes again.
“Don’t be afraid. How about I help you find them?” Serena wrapped an arm around her and comforted her softly.
Alyssa sobbed as she gestured bit by bit, trying to explain something to Serena.
Serena watched patiently. At first, she was completely lost. But as Alyssa’s gestures became clearer, Serena slowly began to understand. “You mean you got separated from your dad?” Serena asked.
Alyssa nodded hard and clutched tightly at the hem of Serena’s shirt.
“Alright, I’ll help you find him,” Serena said firmly.
She held Alyssa’s small hand as they searched around the hotel garden. “Do you remember what your dad looks like?” Serena inquired.
Alyssa thought hard for a moment, then began making more gestures. Serena watched her carefully. She didn’t really know sign language, so she turned and looked around, trying to spot someone who matched.
Still holding Alyssa’s hand, Serena made her way to the front desk. The receptionist was typing away on the keyboard. When she saw them approach, she looked up and gave a professional smile, asking, “How can I help you?”
Serena guided Alyssa forward. “Hi, do you know this little girl? think she got separated from her dad.”
The receptionist immediately recognized Alyssa. “Isn’t she Mr. Brannon’s daughter from Room 808? What’s she doing out here alone?”
“I found her crying in the garden. She said she lost her dad, so I brought her here to ask.”
“Mr. Brannon did check in with a little girl. I’ll take you two upstairs.”
Serena followed the receptionist to the door of Room 808. The receptionist knocked politely, but no one answered. She knocked again but there was still
no response.
“Mr. Brannon might have stepped out,” the receptionist said, then used the key card to unlock the door.
As soon as Alyssa saw the familiar room, she ran to the bed and grabbed a stuffed toy, curling up quietly, withdrawn and alone.
Serena looked at Alyssa and couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. She turned to the receptionist and spoke, “Would you be able to contact Mr. Brannon for me? I don’t feel comfortable leaving Alyssa here alone.”
The receptionist looked a little troubled. “I’m sorry, but we’re not allowed to share guest information.”
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Chapter 21
Serena thought for a moment. “Then could I wait here for a bit? f’ll leave once Mr. Brannon comes back*
The receptionist hesitated, then finally nodded in agreement.
Serena gave a small nod. “Thank you.”
After the receptionist left, Serena glanced around the room. It was spacious and elegantly decorated. From the looks of it, she could tell this se was probably someone with serious money.
Serena walked over to the bed and gently patted Alyssa’s back. “Don’t worry, Alyssa. Your dad will be back soon.”
Alyssa looked up at her, her eyes full of tears, as if silently asking when her dad would return.
Serena looked into her eyes and said, “Soon. He’ll be back very soon.”
