“Not as quick as I would’ve liked. I slowed down occasionally for you to keep up with me, but you were too slow,” Hannah retorted, arching an eyebrow.
As they spoke, a well-dressed butler from the mansion came out to greet them, inviting them inside.
Parking attendants carefully parked their cars inside the parking lot.
Following this, the butler led them to a tour vehicle, offering insights into the Lush surroundings.
“This event marks the first assembly of the six prominent families in two decades. Mr. Lyons has paid great detail to its planning, selecting this estate specifically for its significance. During the event, family leaders will engage in discussions about potential partnerships and ventures. We’ve also arranged numerous leisure activities for our guests.”
The estate sprawled over an extensive area, surrounded by a vast expanse of mountainous forest.
As they drove along the main road, a grand villa emerged from behind the greenery.
An impressive artificial swimming pool, large enough to host a yacht, lay in front of the villa, making it appear as if it were nestled by the sea.
The butler added, “The arrivals from other families are expected shortly. Let’s head inside the villa; today is perfect for you to acquaint yourselves with it. Once you’re settled, feel free to explore as you wish.”
The tour vehicle halted at the villa’s entrance, where the butler ushered Hannah and Maloney through the doors.
Receiving an iPad from the servant, the butler displayed its screen to them. “Go ahead and pick the rooms you like,” he invited. “The villa spans five floors with 208 rooms in total, excluding six specially marked rooms. You’re free to choose any two rooms outside of those.”
Hannah browsed the iPad, noting the fifth floor had fewer rooms than the others. She chose a room near the stairs on the fifth floor with a simple tap.
Passing the iPad to Maloney, he chose a third-floor room, then handed it back to the butler.
Observing their room choices, the butler couldn’t help but glance at them, a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
Maloney caught the butler’s fleeting look and questioned him, “Is there a problem?”
BearNovels
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates…
“Nothing,” the butler muttered, swiftly averting his gaze. He shut off the iPad, then looked up again with a returning smile. “An attendant will join you to activate the fingerprint locks on your rooms. I trust that your stay will be enjoyable.”
With those words, the butler departed. Hannah trailed behind Maloney, heading upstairs.
The servant led the way as Maloney leaned in to murmur, “That butler… something doesn’t sit right with me.”
Climbing the stairs, Hannah took a quick glance down. Catching a glimpse of someone moving past the villa’s entrance, she pursed her lips and suggested, “Let’s just leave it be.”
Once they had separated into their rooms, Hannah wasted no time in texting Bryson the details of her location.
After sending the text, she walked over to the French window, lost in the view stretching beyond.
From her vantage point, Hannah could see several structures scattered around the villa, their presence contrasting with the pervasive quiet.
The absence of security patrols outside was unusual to her.
She and Maloney had been the first to reach the estate. Gradually, other families trickled in, with most arriving around five in the afternoon.