Chapter 537
Chapter 537
“Damn it!” Selena ran her fingers through her hair for what felt like the hundredth time. The phone she had been using to call Harold-or to return Bret’s abruptly disconnected call-was hurled onto the middle of the bed.
Ever since Bret had suddenly cut the line, a restless unease and a creeping sense of dread had wrapped around her without mercy. For some reason, that call felt like a warning.
But… a warning of what?
She still believed Harold would contact her soon. He had to. He would come up with a new strategy, reinforce their position in this house-even if the people working with them were being taken down one by one.
Selena had retreated to her room for a reason. She didn’t want anyone to see her anxiety or the fear gnawing at
her.
Not even Eli.
The girl had looked puzzled by her behavior earlier, but Selena didn’t care. She had shut herself inside, pacing, thinking, calculating.
“What am I supposed to do now p>
The television was on, but she barely noticed it. The only thing she cared about was one piece of news-Harold’s arrest. As long as it didn’t appear on the screen, she could still convince herself she was safe.
“I need to try calling him again p>
She hurried to pick up the phone she had thrown onto the bed.
The line rang.
No answer.
The more her calls went unanswered, the thinner her patience became.
When a housemaid entered to ask whether she wanted lunch, Selena shot her a sharp glare.
“Don’t you have anything better to do than ask useless questions?” she said coldly.
The maid immediately apologized and left.
Later that afternoon, Eli knocked on her door.
“Mom, I just wanted to make sure you’ve eaten,” Eli called gently from outside.
“I don’t need to be reminded,” Selena snapped. “Worry about yourself p>
After that, Eli didn’t come back.
The rest of the afternoon passed with Selena pacing the room, her mind running through every possible
scenario.
If Harold couldn’t be reached…
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If Bret had already been detained…
If their communication channels were being traced…
She stopped near the window, staring out at the wide front yard.
“No,” she murmured. “I can’t just sit here and wait p>
She tried calling again.
Still no answer.
As night fell, the house-which had felt eerily quiet since morning-slowly began to come alive. The sound of cars pulling into the driveway drifted up from outside.
But Selena didn’t move.
She only opened her bedroom door when a wave of voices rose from the living room below lively, crowded,
unusual.
“What’s going on?” she muttered, curiosity finally breaking through her tension.
She walked down the stairs.
Then she stopped.
The sight waiting below made her freeze mid-step.
The living room lights had been turned brighter than usual, bathing the entire space in a warm, lively glow. The long table at the center had been arranged neatly, filled with light snacks, fresh fruit, and an assortment of drinks displayed with careful attention to detail.
The household staff had been moving nonstop since the afternoon. Some carried trays from the kitchen, while others adjusted the glasses, so they lined up perfectly. One smoothed the folds of the napkins; another checked the marble surface for even the faintest smudge. Their steps were quick but composed, working in silent coordination-as if they were long accustomed to preparing for an important welcome like this.
In one corner, two attendants repositioned the chairs to form a wider circle, making room for everyone in the family. Elsewhere, a vase was replaced with a fresh arrangement of flowers. The soft fragrance of blossoms mingled with the scent of food, filling the air with a warmth that felt both comforting and quietly celebratory.
Amid the bustle, Eli had been helping without being asked. She carried a stack of small plates from the kitchen and arranged them carefully along the edge of the table, one by one. Every so often, she asked whether the placement looked neat or needed adjusting. There was nothing forced about her movements. Her face looked bright, and a small smile appeared each time a staff member thanked her for the help.
“Is everything ready?” Eli asked one of the attendants after making sure the final arrangement looked just right.
“Yes, Miss Eli. Thank you very much for your help,” the attendant replied politely.
Eli gave a small nod, clearly pleased to see the room now alive and ready to receive its guests.
Not long after, the sound of cars pulling into the driveway came from outside. Several staff members immediately took their positions near the entrance, standing straight and composed. When the front doors
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opened and the Miller and Callister families entered together with Daven and Althea, the staff bowed respectfully.
“Welcome home, Mr. Daven,” they greeted in unison.
Daven let out a quiet breath, clearly a little overwhelmed but unable to refuse the gesture. “Goodness,” he murmured. “Thank you, everyone. And if I’m guessing right, this was your idea, Mrs. Miller p>
Riana frowned in mock annoyance. “You really never stop calling me that, do you? Aren’t you tired of being scolded for it every time p>
Laughter spread through the room.
When Eli saw Daven approaching, she lowered her head slightly.
“Congratulations on your return,” she said softly but clearly. “I’m really glad everything worked out well p>
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