Chapter 280: Surprise or shock?

Words : 1040 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

Chapter 280: Surprise or shock? Gustave pulled out his phone and dialed Augustine. The line clicked. "Hello..." "Sir," Gustave said, "the mission is complete. We have them." "Good," Augustine replied. "Turn Hugo and Susan over to the police with every bit of evidence. As for Oliver—let his family decide what happens to him." "Understood, sir." The call ended. On the other side of the city, Augustine ended the call, a smug grin lingering on his face. He set the phone down and glanced at Anne, still asleep beside him. Her breathing was soft, her face calm, untouched by the chaos unraveling outside these walls. He chuckled quietly, reaching over to brush his fingers along her cheek. "Wake up, sleepyhead," he said teasingly. "A lot has happened while you were out. The people who hurt you are finally paying for it. And here you are, dreaming like nothing has changed." Anne stirred slightly, then swatted his hand away without even opening her eyes. She curled deeper into the covers, mumbling something unintelligible. Amused, Augustine leaned closer, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "How long are you going to hide under there?" he murmured. "Don’t you want to see what’s going on?" She groaned, her brows furrowing. "Stop bothering me. My whole body still hurts," she muttered. "I don’t want another round. Control yourself." Half-asleep, she reached out and gave him a weak push in the chest. Augustine laughed softly, his eyes lit with mischief. "You always know how to get to me," he said, leaning down to kiss her. "But I’ve got something for you. Come on, wake up." That got her attention. Anne blinked her eyes open, still dazed from sleep. Slowly, the haze began to lift, and she remembered him mentioning a surprise, about going somewhere. She smiled and looped her arms around his neck. "So? Where are you taking me this time?" she asked playfully. "If you want to find out," Augustine said, tapping her nose, "you better get moving." Grinning now, Anne pushed back the covers and swung her legs over the bed. "Alright, alright—I’m going," she said, already walking to the bathroom. Augustine leaned back, watching her with a satisfied look. An hour later... Augustine pulled up to the entrance of a towering glass building, sleek and imposing against the skyline. Anne stepped out of the car, her eyes climbing the height of the skyscraper until they landed on the name gleaming above the doors. Oriental Hotel. The words hit her with a jolt. She remembered that Nathan was the president of Oriental Hotels and Resorts. A ripple of unease passed through her. Of all the hotels in the city, why did Augustine choose this one? Before she could dwell on it, Augustine’s voice pulled her back. "Shall we go in?" Anne looked up at him, his face calm, unreadable. She hesitated for a heartbeat but then nodded. Whatever reason he had for bringing her here, she chose to trust it. He was by her side, and that was enough. "Let’s go," she said with a soft smile, slipping her arm through his. Side by side, they walked through the grand revolving doors. The elevator ride was swift and silent, rising steadily to the topmost floor where only select guests were allowed. As the doors slid open with a soft chime, Anne’s eyes widened in wonder. The lounging area on the top floor unfolded like a dream. It was stunning—expansive and flooded with sunlight. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the room, offering a sweeping view of the city skyline, the buildings gleaming like polished stone under the midday sun. Plush armchairs and velvet sofas were arranged in elegant clusters, accented with glass tables adorned with fresh orchids and golden trays of hors d’oeuvres. A long, open bar stood against one wall, its counter stocked with rare wines and aged whiskies. Soft jazz floated through hidden speakers, wrapping the room in a tranquil, upscale rhythm. Off to the side, a grand piano sat elegantly, waiting to be played. The subtle fragrance of sandalwood and lilies lingered in the air. Anne turned in place, slowly taking in every detail, her eyes full of wonder. Her grin stretched wide. They were alone. She looked at Augustine, eyes bright. "You booked the whole place for just us?" A quiet smile tugged at his lips. He placed a warm hand on her back and leaned in slightly. "It wasn’t me," he whispered. "We are just the guests here." Anne blinked, intrigued. She wondered if Lucien and Audrey had planned another surprise for them. "Then... who is the host?" Just then, the soft click of approaching footsteps echoed across the floor. Augustine turned toward the entrance, his expression unreadable. "There they are," he said with a grin. Anne turned quickly toward the entrance, hoping to see Audrey and Lucien. But her smile vanished the instant she saw who stepped in. Margaret and Nathan. She froze, her whole body going rigid. Of course. She should have guessed the moment she saw the name Oriental Hotel. It was too much of a coincidence. But she had hoped Augustine was going to give her a pleasant surprise. This wasn’t a surprise. It was a slap in the face. She turned her accusatory glare to Augustine, fury bubbling just under the surface. "You know I can’t stand them," she hissed. "Why would you bring me here?" Augustine stayed calm and composed. "Anne, just listen—" But as he reached for her, she slapped his hand away and took a step back. Her hands trembled from anger and disbelief. He sighed helplessly. He had expected Anne to react in this way. But he wasn’t going to give up. It was the moment he had been waiting for so long – to see her reunite with her family. "There is something you need to hear," he said steadily. "Please calm down and hear them out." "I don’t want to hear anything about them," Anne snapped with pain. "If you want to sit here and play family reunion, go ahead. But I’m done." She didn’t wait for a reply. Her eyes flicked toward Nathan and Margaret, then she turned and strode toward the doors, not looking back.

Chapter 280: Surprise or shock?

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