Chapter 377

Chapter 377:

Glancing toward the butler, he asked, “Has Gracie still not come home p>

“She mentioned she’d be working late at the company and wouldn’t be returning tonight,” the butler answered at once.

A faint crease formed between Brayden’s brows as he muttered under his breath, “She just got back to the country, and she’s already driving herself too hard. She’s not taking care of herself at all p>

Without another word, he reached for his coat and strode out into the night.

Meanwhile, the neighboring villa’s door eased open, and two shadowy figures slipped inside without a sound.

Theo lounged on the living-room sofa, the glow of his phone reflecting in his restless eyes as he refreshed the news feed again and again. A crooked smile tugged at his mouth. “Gracie, you never cease to amaze me. How the hell did someone with your power become another person’s wife p>

An urgent, smoldering desire flickered in his gaze, sharp and unhinged.

Then his phone buzzed against the table, the vibration slicing through the stillness.

Spotting the caller ID, he arched a brow. “Well, that’s unexpected. You actually called me? Am I dreaming right now p>

Gracie’s voice drifted through the speaker, cool and composed. “I’m at the company right now. If you’ve got time, could you swing by? There’s something I want to discuss p>

Theo’s smile deepened. “Sure, no problem. I’ll be there right away,” he said, rising with easy confidence.

On his way to the door, he glanced at Doris and lowered his voice. “Keep an eye on everything. Don’t let anyone step inside. If someone shows up asking for me, let them know I’m not home p>

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“You can count on me,” Doris answered, straightening with grave seriousness. “Nothing will slip past me, and no one will get anywhere near the basement p>

In a noticeably lighter mood, Theo stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind him.

Just beyond the threshold, two hidden figures exchanged a quick hand signal, then split off in opposite directions, melting into the shadows as soon as he was gone.

Inside, they monitored every movement with patient precision. After several minutes of observation, they confirmed there was only a single female staff member in the villa and no sign of anyone else.

Doris wrapped up her chores, checked each corner a second time, and finally dragged a chair over to the basement entrance. She settled down with practiced vigilance.

Beyond the window, a slim figure behind a black mask eased out a transparent bottle with practiced grace. She pinched her nose, twisted the cap open, and tipped the liquid through the narrow gap in the window frame. As the faint gas drifted inside, Doris’s composure faltered.

Her eyes fluttered heavily, and her head slowly sagged toward her shoulder.

Within moments, she slumped against the wall, fast asleep.

Right then, the front door nudged open without a sound, and two figures slipped inside, moving with quiet, controlled strides.

One of the intruders flicked her fingers in a quick signal before slipping toward the basement, leaving her partner to guard the entrance with tense vigilance.

Clear, unhurried footsteps drifted down the twisting passage below, each one scraping faintly against the concrete.

The iron door swung open without resistance, and a sharp stench of blood rushed out to meet her.

She sucked in a quiet breath, her bright eyes widening in horror at the scene waiting inside.

Her fingers trembled as she tapped her earpiece. “Jessie, did you really knock out every camera in this place p>

“Absolutely. Come on, you know what I’m capable of. Killing the feed for a few minutes is nothing.” Jessie’s voice crackled through the line. “Gracie, you need to stay alert. You shouldn’t be putting yourself on the line like this! You already dropped them a hint—let their people handle it p>

“I have to get my mother’s things,” Gracie said, her voice a low, steady murmur. “And no one knows this villa’s layout better than I do. Ellie isn’t dying on me p>

“Then move fast,” Jessie warned in a low, urgent tone. “Theo catches every tiny detail. The second he realizes the surveillance is down, he’ll bolt straight back here p>