Chapter 229
Looking out from this hospital room at Saint Maria Medical Center, there wasn't a single building taller than the fifteenth floor in sight.
Well, maybe a few, but barely any—seemingly designed to preserve this stretch of coastline.
That probably explained why the man had risked posing as a maintenance worker to get close.
Actually, if he hadn't deliberately lingered, he probably wouldn't have aroused anyone's suspicion.
But he did stop, apparently trying to get a better look at something.
Scarlett had been facing sideways toward the window when the bodyguards came rushing in. Only then did she look up and notice the man hanging outside the window.
She couldn't make out his features clearly, only that he seemed panicked. Then his cleaning bucket slipped from his grasp, dirty water mixed with cleaning solution splattering across the bottom edge of the floor-to-ceiling window.
Immediately after, the bodyguards surrounding the window stepped forward in unison, all peering down below.
Scarlett jumped, instantly rising from the sofa. Right then, Libbie approached her side, saying nothing but firmly escorting her into the bedroom.
What happened after that, Scarlett had no idea.
She could guess what had occurred, and that this incident was likely aimed at her.
Less than ten minutes later, she heard voices from outside—some in English, others in Seraphine.
Scarlett listened quietly for a moment before her thoughts drifted back to that man who'd appeared so suddenly.
Standing by the window now, fingers clutching the curtain, she peered out briefly before pulling her head back. The moment she did, the bedroom door opened.
Libbie entered, startled to find her by the window. "Ms. Seymour, you shouldn't be standing there."
The recent incident had clearly rattled Libbie. Seeing Scarlett near any window now made her immediately tense.
Scarlett quickly moved toward her. "I was just looking. There's no one out there anymore."
"That's not something you should be checking." Libbie took her hand, voice heavy with concern. "You're at a critical moment right now. If someone finds an opening, that could spell real trouble."
Scarlett nodded. She wouldn't be stubborn about this.
Tomorrow morning she was scheduled for the abortion procedure. Typically, major surgeries like this carried significant risks. If external forces caused problems at this crucial juncture, it could create serious complications.
After the incident, curtains in both rooms were drawn tightly shut over the floor-to-ceiling windows.
They remained closed until the following afternoon.
When the curtains were finally opened again, the room stood empty—they had apparently left.
...
News from Saint Maria Medical Center reached both Shane and Sebastian simultaneously.
Shane, who'd publicly announced his departure for Eldoria, was actually at One Skylake Road.
He lay soaking in the second-floor bathtub, leisurely listening to music.
Suddenly, his phone chimed with a notification.
His hand, which had been tapping rhythmically against the tub's edge, stopped. He slowly opened his eyes, glancing over with mild irritation at having his rare moment of relaxation interrupted. Still, he reached for his phone to check the message.
The instant he read it, Shane's half-lidded eyes flew wide open as he bolted upright in the tub.
"Damn it."
The curse slipped out reflexively.
He couldn't spare another moment for his bath. Immediately grabbing a nearby towel, he stepped out of the tub.
After hastily drying off, he threw on a bathrobe.
Shane rushed out of the bathroom and headed straight downstairs.
Midway, he encountered Mark coming up to find him.
"Mr. Wright, Mr. Howard is looking for you." Mark politely explained his purpose.
"I know." Shane didn't waste words, shaking his head as he continued downstairs.
Behind him, Mark got splashed with water droplets, wiping his face helplessly before following Shane down.
"Sebastian!"
Reaching the first floor, Shane charged directly toward the living room.
However, upon entering, his voice cut off abruptly—as if someone had grabbed his throat.
The reason was simple: there were two additional people in the living room.
One was Michael in his wheelchair. The other was Shawn, whose expression looked rather grim.
Seeing Shawn made Shane's legs go weak instantly.
Though the brothers hadn't seen each other in years, that blood-related intimidation factor still existed.
He swallowed hard, lowering his head to mumble, "Shawn."
Shawn hadn't expected to see Shane here either.
The emotion in his eyes darkened slightly. His voice was low but carried more resignation than anything else.
"Come over. I don't have much time."
As a politician, his every move was scrutinized. Getting too cozy with anyone from the business world could raise bribery suspicions.
Coming here tonight had taken several days of planning. He had limited time and didn't want his brother's surprise to drag out this conversation.
Shane felt relieved, quickly walking over to sit on the sofa.
Still dripping wet with water streaming from his hair, he deliberately chose the unoccupied loveseat.
When Mark arrived, he positioned himself directly behind Sebastian.
Sebastian had also received the message. Unlike Shane, his intel included updates from both Marco and Libbie—he had a more comprehensive picture.
He gave Shane a meaningful look before turning his attention to Shawn.
He hadn't planned on meeting Shawn tonight.
Sebastian understood the man's intentions perfectly. When it came to anything involving Scarlett, he preferred Shawn stay out of it.
However, the conditions offered were quite tempting.
"Mr. Shawn Wright understands Mr. Howard's difficulties. At the same time, the handling of that incident years ago was indeed problematic. This presents a good opportunity—collaborating with Mr. Howard could kill two birds with one stone."
Sebastian recalled the intermediary's words, knowing this was merely Shawn's pitch. The man's real goal was probably helping Scarlett.
Sebastian wasn't thrilled about Shawn's involvement, but he also knew Shawn wouldn't gamble with his own career. This arrangement could indeed benefit him as well.
Hence tonight's meeting.
"Here's the case file from back then. Mr. Howard can review it—I'll have someone collect it shortly." Shawn pulled a thick folder from his briefcase and tossed it onto the coffee table.
Sebastian's gaze dropped to the folder. He made no move toward it, only letting out a cold laugh. "Have someone collect it?"
Who that person would be remained unknown.
But they would definitely be Shawn's people.
Tonight's activities weren't exactly above board, yet Shawn was having someone retrieve case files obtained through questionable means under these circumstances. The implication was crystal clear.
Sebastian's expression darkened as he fixed Shawn with an icy stare.
Shawn didn't avoid his gaze, maintaining that gentle smile. "This needs to be returned quickly, or it'll be problematic if discovered."
Knowing this was a trap, Sebastian snorted coldly but still reached for the folder to examine it.
He also handed a copy to Michael.