Chapter 61

In the clinic, Elsie sat across from Bruce.

They were chatting.

Elsie shook her head and signed, "It's still the same. Sometimes it feels like my throat is blocked, and I can't say anything, but I can make some simple sounds now."

Bruce looked at Elsie with concern. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out. Today, let's try a new treatment plan and see how it goes. Take it slow, we'll get there." Bruce gently reassured her.

Elsie took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions.

She couldn't give up; she had to find her voice again.

After the treatment, Bruce glanced at the calendar.

"Tomorrow's Halloween. The nursing home is having a little party. I mentioned it to you before; there will be lots of fun games and performances."

Bruce continued, "And I'll be making my special pumpkin pie. You'll love it."

Elsie nodded. She did need to relax a bit.

"Great!" Bruce clapped his hands in delight. "Tomorrow evening at seven o'clock. See you there!"

Leaving the hospital, Elsie felt much better.

She decided to go to the mall to get some Halloween gifts for Molly and the others at the sanitorium.

Molly loved fluffy things, so she'd get her a bunny plushie.

Thinking about it, Elsie couldn't help but smile.

The evening streets were bustling with people under the city lights.

Elsie walked through the lively district and turned into a quieter business area.

This road led to a boutique she often visited.

The items there were a bit pricey but unique and exquisite.

A cool breeze blew, and Elsie pulled her coat tighter.

The streetlights cast a dim glow, stretching her shadow long and thin.

Suddenly, she felt like someone was behind her.

That feeling of being watched was like needles pricking her back, making her shiver.

She quickened her pace without making it obvious. At the same time, she glanced back with her peripheral vision.

A man in a black hoodie was following her, keeping a steady distance.

Elsie's heart started to race.

She remembered feeling like someone was following her a few days ago.

She hadn't paid much attention then, thinking she was just being paranoid.

But now, that feeling was back, and she had to stay alert.

Elsie gripped her phone tightly, her fingertips turning pale.

She wanted to run but was afraid of provoking him.

Should the other party be a desperate criminal, wouldn't that place her in even greater peril?

She tried to stay calm and continued walking as if nothing was wrong.

Elsie discreetly opened her phone and sent a message to Bruce.

[Bruce, I think someone is stalking me. I'm scared. Can you come get me?]

The message sent, and Elsie felt a bit relieved.

If Bruce saw the message, he would come quickly.

Meanwhile, at the sanitorium, Bruce was busy with preparations.

Tomorrow was the Halloween party, and he was checking the final arrangements.

"Dr. Valois, the pumpkin lanterns are set up. Is this okay?" A young nurse asked, holding a chubby pumpkin lantern with a smile.

"Looks good; put it over there." Bruce nodded in satisfaction and turned to direct other staff.

The nursing home's garden was decked out with flags and all sorts of Halloween decorations. Kids in costumes ran around, their laughter filling the air.

Bruce hadn't replied to the message. Elsie's heart sank. Maybe he was too busy to see it.

The road was getting more deserted, with most office lights turned off. Only a few offices were still lit. 

Elsie gripped her phone tighter and walked faster. Her heels clicked loudly on the empty sidewalk, echoing in the quiet.

The footsteps behind her grew louder and closer. Elsie cursed inwardly. She knew she couldn't keep pretending. She started to run, not daring to look back.

The man in the black hoodie also started running, no longer hiding. 

His pale face peeked out from under his hood, looking eerie in the dim light. 

Elsie's heart pounded, and she broke into a cold sweat. She wasn't fit enough to outrun a grown man.

On the street, a black Maybach was parked, and Mason was on the phone with a friend.

"Yeah, I just left the office. Ronald's been swamped with work, probably no time for golf."

"What? What did you say?" He lowered the window to hear better. He noticed a familiar figure running on the sidewalk. A suspicious man was chasing her.

"Damn it." Mason cursed. "I'll call you back." He hung up and quickly opened the car door.

"Elsie!" Mason shouted.

Elsie heard her name and looked ahead. What was Mason doing here? She didn't have time to think. She ran towards Mason like she had found her savior.

"Get in!" Mason quickly opened the car door. Elsie jumped in without a word of thanks.

Mason hit the gas, and the car sped off like an arrow. Through the rearview mirror, Elsie saw the man stop. He cursed at the car and then disappeared into the street.

Inside the car, Elsie was still shaken, her chest heaving. She signed, "Thank you for saving me." She exhaled heavily, finally relaxing.

"Elsie, what happened?" Mason asked with concern.

Elsie took a deep breath, calming herself. Then she slowly signed the whole story to him. Mason watched, his brow furrowed.

"Did you offend someone recently?"

Elsie paused, Missy's fake smile flashing in her mind. 

Could it be Missy? Besides her, Elsie couldn't think of anyone else who would go to such lengths to harm her. 

Missy had always resented her, thinking Elsie had taken everything that was rightfully hers. 

Missy had spread rumors, claiming that Elsie had incited someone to rape her. Missy had also tried to sabotage her, making it hard for her to stay with the York family.

Elsie's fingers clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms. 

Elsie thought, 'Missy, you are so despicable!'

Elsie shook her head. She had no solid evidence, just a vague suspicion.

When Mason saw her pale face and trembling hands, he understood that even without evidence, it was likely Missy was involved. Missy would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.

Mason parked in front of Elsie's apartment building. Elsie unbuckled her seatbelt, hesitated, then signed, "Thank you for bringing me home."