Chapter 68 The Man Behind The Games
Darcy's POV
My lips part to suck in more air and my heartbeat increases as I tear the doll open, bringing out the white wool which was stuffed in it.
Standing up, I place the doll on the floor and smash the head open with my leg. Bending down, I pick up the destroyed doll.
Looking at it closer, there's indeed a small chip in it. I take it out and look at it. So even though I changed all the cameras in the house, we were still under surveillance.
Up until some minutes ago, I was wondering why Julius was being followed. How they were so sure that he wasn't just running a usual errand.
Turns out, they still know our every mood. I swallow the lump in my throat. This doll is Hazel's favorite.
Several questions floods my head. Since it's Hazel's favorite, she will carry it at all times.
Hazel has so many dolls but how did the mastermind know the one Hazel prefers. Aside, Adrian and I. No one else should know.
Maybe there's a spy amongst the staff. I don't want to suspect anyone but it will be better not to leave any stone unturned.
I know Julius is more than a security personnel but I can't still understand the relationship that he shares with Adrian.
Who else has access into the house?
I pace back and forth with my hands folded.
I stop walking abruptly as my eyes widen a bit. The maids that Adrian hired.
Why didn't I think of this earlier? They may not live with us but it doesn't change the fact that they have access to almost all the areas in the penthouse.
There shouldn't be any problem, since Adrian has run background checks on them. If there's anything fishy, Adrian would have noticed.
That means the spy did a good job hiding their intentions before they start working for us or she was sabotaged after getting the job.
However, I don't know who the spy is but thinking that I have a clue, a lead that will help me connect the dots and fill in the missing puzzles.
Quickly, I grab my my phone to call Adrian so he can return them to the agency. Adrian's number pops up on the screen on my phone.
My finger lingers above the number, just an inch above the screen.
Destroying the camera has alert the person already. Is firing the maids the best decision? What if we use them against this mysterious person?
The easiest way to outplay a bad person is to make them believe that they are still in control.
Now that I have destroyed this doll, how sure am I that other dolls don't also have hidden cameras in them?
I jump a bit when my phone starts ringing. Gently, I make myself comfortable on the sofa.
I only receive messages from unknown numbers but never a call. Deep down, I know it's not a normal call.
This call can only mean two things. Either this person has become impatient or is beginning to run out of ideas.
However, I must hear what he or she has to say.
Breathing out deeply, I raise my chin and straighten my back. After gulping, I tap on answer icon but remain silent.
"It's rude not to say anything, especially when I come bearing new," the deep voice sends shivers down my spine.
The voice isn't a dub.
A male voice.
All this while I've been thinking it's a woman but not I'm hearing a male voice. His voice is deep, laced with mockery.
Who is he?
"How do you feel now Darcy? Like a Mrs Ashford? Like a heroine?" He asks.
I bite my lower lip and dig my nails into the flesh of my thighs. Holding myself together.
"Prepare yourself for what's coming next," he chuckles darkly, making goosebumps fill my skin.
He continues, "your darling Adrian has accepted my invitation to play a game. In this game, he can only save one person. Do you think it will be Hazel? His mother or you?"
Tears stings the back of my eyes and my hands tremble, while trying hard to maintain a steady breathe.
"You know how his mother is, she will ruin all of you by herself if she isn't picked. I want to see how strong your bond with Adrian is." He says.
After a long silence, he adds. "Do you think you're the most important person in his life? He will ruin you like the first two women in his life."
The line goes dead and I slip off the chair, landing on the floor with a loud thud. I shut my eyes tight and gasp, clutching onto my chest.
What did I do to deserve this? Is it forbidden for me to be happy? Am I suffering because of Adrian and Hazel or vice versa?
Tears blur my vision as I sob.
As if Adrian's mum knew what will happen, she called Adrian but he shut her out like usual, not giving her a chance to speak.
I palm my face and cry harder. The claws of the pain in my chest digs in more into my heart.
Has this whole thing escalated beyond beyond the Carlton family? Because the last time I checked, there's no male in the family.
I fold my knees up to my chin and rest my head on it, my hands wrapping around my legs.
What do I do to make it less stressful for Adrian? Should I just disappear from their lives?
But won't they see it as abandoning them? I already did that once but it didn't end well. In fact, it did more harm than good.
I bury my fingers into my scalp. My lips quivering.
"Welcome back boss."
My head snaps up towards the door when I hear the guards greet.
I stand immediately and dash out of room. I don't bother to wipe my tears which makes my vision blurry.
Adrian stops in his tracks immediately he see me running towards him. His eyebrows furrow into a small frown.
He opens his arms and I clash into his hard chest. I wrap my arms around his neck tightly as if someone will snatch him away.
He doesn't ask any questions but his body goes rigid. Slowly, he circles his hands around his waist.
I sniffle as the tears keep rolling down.
What cruel game is this person playing? How can they put us in a tight spot? Why tear us apart?
Without saying a word, Adrian sweeps my feet off the ground into his arms. My hands remain on his neck while I bury my face in his chest, my tears soaking his shirt.
I can hear his heartbeat. Firm and measured.
Adrian doesn't bother pulling away, as he sits on the sofa and place me on his thighs.
He rubs my back gently. Soon I stop crying and sniffle.
"What's bothering you, baby? Do you want to tell me what happened?" He asks softly as he continues to caress my back.
I don't reply.
"What happened to Hazel's doll?"
I sigh and pull away. My gaze pierces his eyes.
"Did you offend any man?" I ask with a cracked voice.
His eyes darken and his jaws clench. A knowing look flashes through his eyes.