Chapter 197
The door swung open-
A tall, slender figure stood in the hallway, dressed in a pale hoodie and tailored cargo pants, the look finished with jet-black combat boots. There was an unmistakable coolness about her, an effortless swagger in every line. Her hair, a bit on the long side, was swept into a loose braid draped casually over her shoulder.
She wore a baseball cap pulled low, the brim shadowing her eyes so that only the elegant line of her jaw and her naturally rosy lips were visible. Against the dark cap, her fair skin looked almost ethereal-like the first snowfall of winter.
She wasn’t just cool-there was something a little distant about her, maybe even… familiar.
Gordon stared, his sharp gaze narrowed. This was a man who’d survived battlefields without so much as flinching-yet now, for a moment, he seemed genuinely taken aback. His pupils contracted. “Catie p>
Could it be p>
A wild idea flashed through his mind, his heartbeat picking up speed.
Could Phyllis actually be Caitlin?
So it was Caitlin who’d arrived at Wonderhaven Estate before him.
She was the one who’d outmaneuvered Phantom’s people.
Hearing Gordon’s voice, Caitlin looked equally startled. She quickly raised her head.
Their eyes met. In that instant, each saw their own reflection in the other’s gaze.
Time felt suspended.
It was as if the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them.
After several seconds, Caitlin found her voice.
“Gordon p>
“Yeah, it’s me.” Gordon spoke softly, his tone as calm as still water-though inside, a storm was raging, like a ship tossed in a gale without a rudder.
It really was Gordon.
Seeing him standing there, his features cool and severe, Caitlin was even more surprised.
Why was Gordon here?
Had she gone to the wrong room?
She took a few steps back, glancing at the sign by the door.
“Elysium Private Lounge?” Her brows drew together. “No, this is the right one p>
Or… had she gotten the name wrong?
Pulling out her phone, Caitlin scrolled up her chat history with S.
No mistake-this was the place.
Could there be two Elysium Private Lounges in The Regal Lounge?
Gordon gazed down at her, his eyes dark and intense. “Catie, you’re Phyllis p>
It was a question, but his voice made it sound like a statement.
Right now, nothing else existed-only her, reflected in his eyes.
“Yeah.” Caitlin nodded, then abruptly looked up, disbelieving. “So… you’re S p>
So-
The one who’d matched wits with her all these days.
The first to find the entrance to Wonderhaven Estate in Mistwood Forest-the one who’d broken through her defenses-was Gordon?
A tidal wave of shock crashed through her, leaving her breathless.
“That’s right. I’m S.” Gordon’s voice was as deep and magnetic as ever, though
his lips barely moved.
Caitlin’s surprise only deepened.
She never would have guessed-Gordon was S.
The S who had fascinated her.
The S who had challenged her.
Gordon was just as stunned.
He’d always assumed Phyllis was a man.
He never imagined Phyllis would turn out to be a nineteen-year-old girl.
He felt almost embarrassed by his own assumptions.
“Come on in, have a seat.” Gordon stepped aside.
“Thanks,” Caitlin said, stepping into the room.
The Regal Lounge’s private suite was exquisite, decorated in a classic, old-world style.
Beaded curtains hung in layers, parting to reveal a solid oak table set for tea.
Behind it stood a folding screen painted with portraits of legendary beauties.
A faint, soothing scent drifted from a candle on the table-morning dew and green tea. It was subtle, but refreshing.
Caitlin sat down across from Gordon, still feeling as if all this was too surreal. Her eyes lingered on him, wide and searching. “You’re really S p>
“Need me to prove it?” Gordon arched an eyebrow.
“How?” she asked.
He gestured to the chessboard. “Simple. One match p>
Caitlin laughed quietly. “You’re on p>
A worthy opponent.
She could hardly wait.
There was no better way to confirm his identity than a game.
As she spoke, she began to sort the chess pieces.
“No rush, we have plenty of time.” Gordon poured her a cup of tea, his movements unhurried. “Take a sip first p>
Caitlin accepted the cup, taking a small, appreciative sip. Her eyes lit up in surprise. “Is this Le Palais des Thés? I can’t believe The Regal Lounge serves such a rare tea p>
Le Palais des Thés was as coveted as Thé Sur Nuage.
For tea lovers, tasting Le Palais des Thés was a dream.
Caitlin never expected to find it here.
“I brought it myself,” Gordon said, topping off her cup. “If you recognized it so
quickly, I know I brought the right leaves today p>
A game of chess called for a true rival.
Great tea called for a true connoisseur.
Only when shared with someone who truly understood its value could a rare tea reveal its worth.
For those who knew nothing of tea, even the most precious leaves were no different from plain water.
Le Palais des Thés had a unique aroma, easily mistaken for green tea by most. Caitlin was the first person Gordon had met who could identify it in a single sip.