Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks

After Arthur finished speaking, he excused himself, citing other thatters, and turned to walk toward the vehicles waiting outside the banquet hall.

Mateo remained behind, watching Stella closely, as though to ensure she wouldn't follow.

Stella stood frozen in place, watching Arthur's imposing figure disappear into the distance. She bit her lip, her thoughts swirling. She fully understood the meaning behind Arthur's works now.

Seeing that Arthur had entered his car, Matéo turned to Stella. "Ms. Walton, please address him as Mr. Jarrett. Although the current situation is stable, his position demands respect, and caution is always advisable." "Understood," Stella muttered, her voice low and subdued.

Tristan had been right. After all these years, Arthur was no longer the approachable man he had been in their shared childhood. His presence now felt distant, untouchable, like a figure towering far beyond reach. Two days later, Morris received a phone call. After hanging up, he turned to Leo and instructed, "Release Lydia."

Leo, surprised, hesitated. "Huh?" he blurted, but one look at the icy sharpness in Morris's eyes silenced him.

Swallowing hard, he nodded, opened the door, and left to carry out the order.

*****

www

An hour later, Leo arrived at the dungeon of Dark Web Dungeon where Lydia had been held. He opened the door to find her just waking up.

Upon seeing him, Lydia immediately stood. "You're here to let me out, aren't you?" she asked with a calm certainty.

Leo was taken aback by how quick-witted she was. "Yes, Ms. Walton. Please follow me. Mr. Walton has arranged a car to pick you up. It's waiting outside." Lydia dusted off her clothes and replied simply, "Alright. Lead the way."

Leo pulled out a black cloth from his pocket. "As per Dark Web protocol, you'll need to be blindfolded, just as when you arrived."

Without any resistance, Lydia nodded, her expression unchanging. "Fine."

*****

Outside the Dark Web Division, Leo removed the blindfold as they reached the exit.

Lydia blinked as her vision adjusted, and she saw the sleek black sedan waiting for her, just as Leo had mentioned.

"Ms. Walton, this is where we part ways. I hope you've learned something from this and won't find yourself back here again," Leo said." Lydia glanced back at the dark entrance of the facility, then turned with a cold smile. Without a word, she walked toward the waiting car. Leo watched her leave, clicking his tongue in disdain, muttering to himself as he returned inside.

Opening the car door, Lydia nodded at the man inside before sting into the seat. "Dad," she greeted calmly.

The person waiting for her was none other than her father, Tristan, the second most powerful figure in Clusia, ranking just below Arthur.novelbin

Despite his status, he had arrived in a modest sedan with no entourage or bodyguards, accompanied only by a driver.

Tristan didn't need an entourage. As a martial general, his combat skills were formidable, and he could handle threats independently.

Compared to Arthur, who balanced elegance with strength, Tristan exuded pure dominance and power. His imposing aura contrasted sharply with the gentler demeanor of Stella. Even though Tristan wore glasses, likely in an attempt to appear more refined, his natural charisma and commanding. presence couldn't be concealed.

Looking at Lydia, Tristan finally spoke, "You're out at last. It must have been difficult for you."

Lydia shook her head lightly. "Not really. Morris's people didn't mistreat me. They provided three meals a day on schedule. It wasn't anything unbearable."

Tristan nodded in approval. "Good. I imagine the Dark Web Division was as impenetrable as ever. With Morris's meticulous nature, his domain must be nearly impossible to infiltrate."

"Indeed," Lydia agreed. "During my five days there, I was confined solely to the dungeon. The place isn't just heavily guarded It's practically airtight.

"They blindfolded me both when I arrived and when I left. Even trying to discern anything by listening to footsteps was nearly impossible.

"Their elite guards are rigorously trained. Everything from their movements to their walking patterns is synchronized." Tristan wasn't surprised. "That's Morris for you. He's undoubtedly one of the biggest obstacles standing in our way." Lydia, however, shook her head and met his gaze directly. "It's not just him."

Tristan frowned. "It's not just him?"

"No!" Lydia replied without hesitation.

"Who else?" Tristan's curiosity was piqued.

"Cherise," Lydia replied swiftly. "Morris's wife. You need to tread carefully around her."-

Lydia spoke every word with conviction, hiding nothing from her father, "She seems to know something. Or, more accurately, it's nearly impossible for anyone to keep secrets from her. Plus, her master is Mr. Dorian Finch. You know how formidable he is."