Chapter 186
I'd specifically told the private investigator not to contact me unless absolutely necessary. If he was calling anyway, it had to be urgent.
I hung up first.
Once the car reached a busy commercial district, I used thirst as an excuse and asked the driver to grab me some water.
The driver didn't suspect anything and got out to buy some.
The moment he left, I quickly dialed the investigator back, keeping my eyes trained on the driver's location.
"Talk fast. I've got three minutes, tops."
The investigator didn't waste time with questions. He cut straight to the point.
"Ms. Wipere, I just received intel. Sophia posted a job on the dark web, and some desperate bastard took the contract."
My brow furrowed. "Can you find out what she's planning?"
"It's tricky, but I'm still digging."
Seeing the driver already heading back, I said quickly, "Okay. Let me know when you have more."
After hanging up, I immediately deleted the call record. Only after triple-checking did I finally relax.
"Ms. Wipere, are any of these okay?" The driver held out three different brands of bottled water.
"Perfect. Thank you." I accepted them with a smile.
Taking a sip, I couldn't help but speculate.
Sophia had just been humiliated, and now she'd posted a job on the dark web? Odds were high that she was targeting either Amelia or me.
Sophia's usual tactics involved playing the victim and framing people. Suddenly pivoting to the dark web meant someone was helping her.
But who?
David? Unlikely. If he'd made contact with those types, Leopold would've known.
Olivia? Also doubtful. Though Olivia was impulsive and spoiled, the Thomas family had a decent reputation in Silverlight City and multiple collaborations with the Percy Group.
Then who?
Suddenly, that sleazy creep Jason came to mind. He was the most likely candidate.
But hadn't Leopold said Jason had already fled Silverlight City? How was Sophia contacting him?
I needed to find a way to get to the bottom of this. Maybe Sophia could actually help me without meaning to.
Back at Pansea Heights, Leopold wasn't home—he'd gone to the office.
Using discomfort as an excuse, I had Tammy fetch Arnold for me.
Under the guise of a medical consultation, I told him about Sophia's dark web contract and asked him to investigate.
Arnold shot me a surprised glance but didn't ask questions. He agreed immediately.
By afternoon, he already had updates.
Using my follow-up exam as cover, he found me again.
"I traced Sophia's transaction. She paid fifty thousand dollars for a hit on you. The contractor is an assassin who operates in the gray zone."
"He's already boarded a flight to Silverlight City. If everything goes according to plan, he'll make your death look accidental."
"Every one of his previous targets died in 'accidents.'"
Accidental death?
I looked at him meaningfully. "Can you protect me from him?"
Arnold's light brown eyes took on an amber gleam. "Ninety percent certainty."
"Good enough." A faint smile crossed my lips. "Then we can use this to get me out of here."
Arnold studied me. "You want to fake your death?"
I shook my head. "No need to fake anything. I just need Leopold to lose track of me temporarily."
Faking my death would cause too much commotion. I could tell my parents in advance, but I couldn't tell Donovan—I was worried it would be too much for him.
A disappearance would work. It would give them hope while slowing down their search efforts.
"You're sure about this? Aren't you worried Leopold will just latch on to you again once he finds you?" Arnold pressed.
I nodded firmly. "I want to separate from him, not become his enemy."
Leopold had hurt me, that was true. But after learning the truth about three years ago, I understood him.
Understanding, however, didn't equal forgiveness.
The years of pain were real. The accumulated disappointments were real.
I couldn't let it go.
Rather than continue this charade with him, better to separate now. Leave everything to fate.
"No problem. I'll let you know once I figure out when Sophia plans to strike."
Just as I finished speaking, Leopold's voice suddenly rang out.
"Cindy, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
My heart slammed against my ribs. I quickly composed myself and looked at him warmly.
"I haven't gone out in so long—I think my legs are just sore from the walk earlier. I asked Dr. Norman to take a look."
Leopold's gaze slid coolly to Arnold. "Has her condition changed?"
Arnold closed his notes and slipped both hands into his pockets, explaining with perfect composure.
"No changes at present. The soreness is likely due to weakened leg muscles from several days of bed rest."
Leopold came and sat on the edge of my bed. "That's all it is?"
Arnold nodded. "Overall, Ms. Wipere's treatment results remain quite promising."
"Once this week's physical therapy sessions are complete, we'll shift focus to medication combined with an appropriate rehabilitation plan."
"Good." Leopold took my hand. "We'll continue counting on you, Dr. Norman."
"You're too kind, Mr. Percy." Arnold smiled. "I need to adjust the medication dosages. I'll head down now."
After he left, Leopold didn't release my hand. Instead, he climbed onto the bed.
"What... what are you doing?" I was forced from the middle to the left side.
Leopold propped his head on one hand, watching me with utter ease. "I get the feeling you and Arnold have really hit it off."
My chest tightened, but I didn't dare show it. "Dr. Norman is truly an expert. Talking with him taught me so much about medical knowledge I never knew before."
"Like what?" Leopold pressed.
His tone was casual, but alarm bells were screaming in my head.
This was Leopold's way.
When he suspected someone, he became more relaxed. The looser he seemed, the sharper his focus.
Clearly, he was suspicious of Arnold now.
"Like, why do dancers develop occupational injuries. What preventative measures can extend a dancing career..."
I elaborated further, giving him two specific examples.
Leopold didn't interrupt. His gaze remained fixed on my face. He nodded occasionally in acknowledgment.
Just when I thought I'd successfully dispelled his doubts, he said abruptly:
"I thought maybe you two got along so well because you knew he used to be Ethan's personal physician."
I froze, displaying perfectly calibrated surprise. "You're not making that up? Arnold was a royal physician?"
Leopold released my hand and moved closer, his hands gripping my waist as he pulled me toward him.
"Yes. You didn't know?"
I laughed softly. "I didn't even know Ethan was a marquis until recently. How would I know royal family secrets?"
The darkness in Leopold's eyes dissipated. His lips curved slightly. "True. Back then, you only had eyes for me. How could you have noticed him?"
Knowing he'd temporarily dismissed his suspicions, I proactively reached up to touch his forehead. "Your fever's gone. Have you felt unwell anywhere today?"
Leopold's eyes gradually warmed. "No. I just can't seem to concentrate."
"Maybe your body's still recovering from being sick. Don't worry about it too much."
"No." Leopold brushed his nose against my cheek, his voice dropping to a deep, magnetic rumble. "It's because I miss you too much. I can't focus on work at all."
My expression was flooded with shock. "You're lying."
Leopold huffed softly. "From now on, when I go to the office, come with me. Otherwise, I can't settle down."