Chapter 629

Chapter 629

Flora slammed the phone down, feeling even more on edge.

A sense of foreboding lingered as she sensed something brewing in the adjacent room.

Slipping on her headphones, she attempted to drown out the commotion next door, but visions of Arthur appearing intoxicated kept intruding. Recalling stories she'd heard of folks going to extremes to conceive with wealthy heirs for a piece of their wealth, she couldn't shake off the thought.

What if someone had spiked Arthur's drink?

Was something truly amiss?

Removing her headphones, Flora tossed and turned on the bed before cautiously approaching the wall, straining to catch any sounds from the neighboring room.

Silence enveloped the space, failing to soothe her nerves.

After much internal debate, she mustered her courage and rapped on the door, only to be met with silence.

Frowning, Flora felt a surge of anger. Seizing a spare key, she unlocked the door and was greeted by a strange woman emerging in a bath towel, water trickling from her hair. Arthur lay sprawled on the bed, his shirt gaping, appearing half-asleep.

"Sis, worried I'd harm him?" The woman eyed Flora, taken aback.

Flora found herself at a loss for words.

She and Arthur were merely playing at being a couple. Their relationship was a facade. Even if Arthur brought home a dozen mistresses, it was none of her concern.

"If everything's cool, we're hitting the sack," the woman reminded.

Flora inhaled deeply, altering her expression. "Got any ID on you? Where'd you meet him? I haven't seen you around his pals before."

The woman was caught off guard by the interrogation, responding awkwardly, "That's personal info."

"He's my brother, and I can't overlook any shady business. Show me your ID. I've got connections in the police department to verify," Flora fabricated without hesitation.

The woman, flustered by the interrogation, stuttered, "You're jumping to conclusions. Why would I be up to no good? Arthur wouldn't have let me bring him here if that were the case."

At the mention of "Arthur," a flicker of uncertainty crept into Flora's mind about the woman's true intentions.

"If you won't spill, I'll find out another way," Flora threatened before heading to the bathroom. Returning with a basin of water, she promptly drenched Arthur's head.

Arthur startled awake, momentarily bewildered upon seeing the two women by the bed.

Spotting Flora with the basin, a hint of relief flickered in his eyes. Before he could speak, Flora interjected, "If you're after extra services, find a discreet hotel. I don't want any part in this. You'll need to cover for me later."

Arthur's demeanor hardened. "You really think so low of me?"

Flora pursed her lips, snorting coldly, "Who can say."

The woman intervened softly, "Don't be mad, your sister's just concerned."

Arthur glanced between the woman and Flora. "Sister?"

Flora answered quietly, "Yes. Now that you're awake, I'll leave you to it."

She exited, shutting the door behind her, hands trembling, heart racing.

None of her words had been genuine, but she couldn't shake off her agitation.

Moments later, Arthur and the woman emerged.

Flora anxiously watched Arthur's reaction.

Despite his reputation as a ladies' man, Arthur wouldn't entertain women he didn't care about. If the woman who brought him home was merely an acquaintance, he would have sent her packing.

"I'll give her a ride," Arthur stated simply, avoiding eye contact with Flora, then exited.

Flora's last shred of hope vanished, leaving her with a dry throat. She wanted to lash out at him but couldn't find the words.

The door shut, and Arthur's previously gentle demeanor disappeared.

Unaware of the shift, the woman assumed she had won Arthur's approval and remarked, "It's not necessary, really. I can manage on my own. It's late anyway."

"I didn't say I'd take you all the way," Arthur interjected coldly, halting her smile.

Her expression froze.

Arthur gazed at her impassively. "I don't care who you are. I don't know how you followed me, but I suggest you vanish from my sight, or face the consequences."

His tone turned icy, a stark contrast to his earlier vulnerability with Flora.

The woman, thinking she had charmed Arthur, now realized it was a warning.

Attempting to explain nervously, she started, "You've got it wrong, I'm-"

"I don't care who you are," Arthur interrupted, his face stern. The elevator doors opened, and he gestured, "Disappear."

She hurried into the elevator and departed.

Arthur rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply. He had sought solace but ended up being manipulated.

The memory of Flora's cutting words weighed heavily on him, suffocating him suddenly.

Returning was not an option; he had only taken his car keys. After composing himself, he left the building.

Howard, finally getting a break from his meetings, was about to message Elisa when Adrian entered with a grave expression. "Mr. Brown, something's happened."

"Go ahead."

"Indigo's tracker hasn't moved in three days, and this is the latest recording." Adrian played the audio, filled with commotion and snippets of dialogue.

Howard's brow furrowed slightly as he listened. "Indigo's gone?"

"Yep," Adrian confirmed, "On the night Indigo vanished, Sierra was spotted sneaking off to the beach with a big suitcase, then she relocated."

"Give the leads to the cops," Howard instructed, tapping the desk. He hadn't pegged Sierra as this ruthless. If she discovered Elisa's involvement, she wouldn't hold back.

Adrian caught on quickly and assured, "Mrs. Brown's security is on lockdown."

"Good."

Soon after the tip-off, the police found the suitcase and launched their investigation.

Elisa, engrossed in reshoot preparations on set, was unaware. Lawrence had finally cast a replacement for Victoria, but he kept the actress's identity under wraps until Elisa's arrival.

The vibe on set had shifted. Everyone addressed her respectfully as Ms. Garcia, despite Elisa's attempts to downplay it. She had to adapt to the new title.

During makeup, Elisa scanned the crew but didn't spot any unfamiliar faces. She discreetly asked Julia, "Has the new lead actress shown up yet?"

"She's been here an hour, still perfecting her makeup."

Different actors had varying focus points for their makeup, and those who aimed for perfection would keep adjusting until it matched the character flawlessly.

Elisa was surprised yet relieved. A committed actress would be a great fit.

"Oh, Conrad's around too. He's in the next room," Julia observed the vague dynamic between Elisa and Conrad, prompting the mention.