### Crimson Gardens at Night
As the car slowly drove through the gates of the estate, two bodyguards waited downstairs. Mila ascended the stairs to the bedroom to find Adrian.
The moment Adrian saw her, he dashed over with open arms.
Mom!
Mm…
Mila’s mind was elsewhere. She hugged her son briefly, murmuring soothing words before making an excuse about packing up for a few days’ stay at the family estate. She suggested he play on his own for a bit.
Adrian, not wanting to be left alone at home, agreed reluctantly.
While Adrian was occupied with his tablet, Mila pretended to be packing. In reality, she was searching for possible hiding spots for important documents. She went through almost the entire second floor, sparing not even Adrian’s room, except for the study.
But there was nothing—no documents, no clues.
What are you looking for, Mom? Adrian asked, glancing up curiously from his game.
Oh, I was just thinking about which toys to bring along to the estate, Mila replied, her train of thought interrupted.
Instinctively, she reached out to touch the model shelf that stretched across one wall of the room, intending to take out a monster model.
Don’t touch that!
Adrian jumped up, shouting as he pushed her away with surprising force. Mom, don’t mess with my models! What if you break them?
Sorry, sorry, I forgot, Mila apologized quickly.
She had momentarily forgotten how protective Adrian was over his collection, especially these game models. One touch and he would explode.
Leaving Adrian’s room, her gaze turned towards the study.
It was the only place left unchecked.
Mila had always suspected the study, but in this household, it was a forbidden zone for her, off-limits entirely.
Lysander had even installed a digital lock with a combination code, preventing her access.
Startled, she turned around, her hand reflexively pressing against the lock.
There was a soft click.
The door swung open, making Mila stumble back a few steps, staring in disbelief at the slowly opening study door.
How could this be?
Her fingerprint had unlocked the study?
Her mind reeled. The absurdity of it all slammed into her like a tidal wave—her heart thundering so loudly it seemed ready to burst from her chest.
How was this possible?
She had no memory of her fingerprint ever being registered. Wasn’t the lock supposed to keep her out? Could it be a malfunction?
Amidst her bewilderment, Harper’s voice suddenly rose from downstairs.