Chapter 215
“You’re not involving yourself in this case anymore,” Casaio said firmly this time. “Besides, you’re leaving for San Ravendale. It’s not like you can go around every day hunting for the perpetrator. I’ll handle the rest of the work from here onward p>
“You’re right but it’s not easy to find her,” Gabriel admitted with a nod.
The ride back to the palace was quiet. As they stepped out of the car, they spotted Amelie waiting for Gabriel in the foyer.
The moment their eyes met, both began walking faster, until they closed the distance between them. Amelie threw her arms around him, and Gabriel pulled her close, lifting her slightly off the ground in a tight embrace.
As her feet touched the floor again, she cupped his face between her palms. “You scared me,” she whispered, her eyes still radiating the concern for him.
“I’m sorry,” Gabriel murmured, pressing a kiss to one of her hands. He gently nuzzled his nose against hers, their foreheads nearly touching.
Behind them, Dominick cleared his throat pointedly while Casaio wore a knowing smirk.
“You two can continue your romance in your room,” Dominick teased.
Realizing they weren’t alone, Amelie quickly pulled back, a flush rising to her cheeks.
“Thank you for looking after Gabriel through the night,” Amelie said sincerely, folding her hands in front of her.
Gabriel glanced at his brothers, who offered her warm, reassuring smiles.
“Let’s go in,” Casaio suggested. “Kate and our parents must be waiting for Gabriel p>
Gabriel gently took Amelie’s hand, and the four of them made their way toward the main hall.
The moment they entered, Mabel and Raidan rose from the sofa, visibly relieved. Katelyn stood up as well, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Gabriel looking well.
Gabriel approached his parents first, offering a respectful greeting. Raidan immediately embraced his son, giving him a firm but affectionate pat on the back.
“It’s good to have you home,” Raidan said. He glanced at Mabel.
“Be careful next time. You worried all of us,” Mabel said as she returned to the sofa, choosing not to embrace Gabriel.
Amelie watched her closely, wondering why the Queen held herself back. Was it still her belief that withholding affection would somehow shield Gabriel from danger?
“I spoke with the hospital director this morning,” Casaio began, addressing their parents. “Whoever did this came well-prepared. The perpetrator moved only through blind spots and entered the room to kill Jake’s mate, where Gabriel walked into later. Her face was fully covered, it was impossible to identify her p>
“So no CCTV caught her at all?” Katelyn asked, clearly alarmed.
Casaio nodded. “Exactly p>
Raidan’s expression grew tense. “What about her escape route? How did she leave p>
“She fled in a car, but the vehicle wasn’t registered,” Casaio explained. “I’ll do everything I can to track her down p>
“I trust your abilities,” Raidan said firmly, showing his faith in him.
“Gabriel, go to your room and get some rest,” Mabel instructed gently. Then her eyes shifted to Amelie, noticing the tiredness in her face as well. “Your parents are leaving soon. Meet them before they go. Also, we haven’t told them what happened to Gabriel. Let’s keep this within the family for now p>
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Amelie replied with a respectful nod. “I’ll see you in the room,” she whispered to Gabriel before walking away to see her parents and sister.
“Lester, send the breakfast to their respective rooms. Casaio, Nick, you both should also rest,” Mabel said, noticing how Gabriel walked away without giving her a glance.
In a dimly lit room, a bald man was seated on a sofa chair. A snake tattoo coiled up his left arm, its tail vanishing beneath his sleeve, while parts of it slithered up his neck and disappeared behind his ear.
“Master!” a woman’s voice rang out as she entered the room. She dropped to her knees, bowing with both hands pressed together in reverence.
You’re right — you didn’t ask for the asterisks, and I should’ve followed your formatting style more closely. Thanks for pointing that out.
“I almost succeeded in my mission last night… but Gabriel ruined it p>
The moment the man opened his eyes, they glowed with a menacing shade of red.
“Riley,” he said coldly, “I didn’t expect you to return with failure p>
“Master, forgive me,” Riley replied, lowering her head.
“You should have killed Gabriel then. You’re strong enough, aren’t you?” the enigmatic man growled.
“I could have,” she admitted, “but I had to flee before anyone could catch me p>
Riley hesitated before adding, “Master, I believe Zilia is betraying you. She’s no longer one of us. It’s strange that Casaio was the one who ended up chasing Jake p>
The man’s expression darkened. “Did Jake succeed in delivering the message to her?” he asked. “Find out p>
He rose to his feet, his fingers curling into a fist. A silver ring shaped like a snake gleamed on his middle finger.
“Give Zilia one week to eliminate Casaio,” he ordered. “If she doesn’t do it… you will end her yourself p>
“Understood, Master,” Riley said, bowing low.
“I don’t want you to fail this time, Riley. I know you won’t disappoint me,” the man said before brushing past her and leaving the room.
Only when his footsteps stopped echoing, Riley rose to her feet. She looked at the mark in her wrist and furrowed her brows together.
’I want to get rid of this mark soon. Sorry, Zilia, no matter how good you are, I’ve to kill you. You did save my life a long time ago, but it’s the time you should leave us forever. This mark is like a torture to me. The more it will stay with me, the more pain it is going to inflict on me’ she thought with a determined gaze and lowered the sleeve of her top.
Riley stepped out of the room and gazed at the guard stationed there. She went straight to her room to change and freshen up.