Chapter 23
“The man grabbed Miss Sullivan and claimed she had worked in a hostel,” James added, fearing Liam didn’t understand, “And not a very clean one.”
The car was comfortably arranged by James. This particular vehicle was specifically used for driving Harper around. A cushion was placed behind the passenger seat, ensuring that she would never feel tired no matter how long she sat.
James drove very smoothly, and being by his side always made Harper feel more at case.
She clutched her knees, her body not fully relaxed, and asked nervously, “Where are we going?”
James was a true gentleman, always respectful and gentle in his dealings with her. His voice was soft and calm, “We’ll be there soon.
Following James into Frehowi House, which was as new to Harper as the resort villa, it was built in the past two years. The middle section was a Japanese–style hotel, and the upper floors housed the accompanying hot spring rooms.
To find out how many wounds she had on her body, this was the only
way.
Standing at the entrance, a faint wisp of warm air greeted them, carrying the natural fragrance through the misty vapor.
Harper’s discomfort was written all over her face. She didn’t take the key James offered, “Can we not go in and soak? I’m not feeling very well.”
James could think of this, and so could Harper.
12.00
Chapter 2
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“I won’t go in with you. I’ll be in the next room. There’s no need to be embarrassed,” James smiled gently, which made Harper let out a sigh of relief, “Mr. Walker was worried that you’ve been too tired lately, so he specially asked me to bring you here.”
With just a few simple words, Harper’s concerns dissipated. Even though she still felt a bit reluctant, there was no need to refuse.
She took the key and entered the women’s locker room to change out of her clothes. The hot spring pool was shrouded in thick mist, obscuring the view. Stepping into the water on the warm stone steps, the water was at a comfortable temperature, and the enveloping steam indeed helped to relax a bit.
But before she could close her eyes, the water rippled as if someone was slowly walking over and sinking into the water, but their face was still
visible.
“Harper?” The woman’s voice was a mix of surprise and delight.
Harper opened her eyes at the sound, and what she saw was a pure yet bright face, flushed by the steam from the pool. Her hair was neatly coiled on her head, revealing a slender and graceful neck. She exuded an air of delicacy.
“Is it really you?”
Harper instinctively wanted to escape. Facing an old acquaintance from the past, she knew her current state would only invite ridicule. But in this. place, there was nowhere to run, “Isabella.”
Isabella beamed with joy, “You really came back. Mason told me, but I couldn’t believe it.”
“Uh–huh.” She lowered her head in silence, letting the steam from the water wash over her face. The heat made her bones feel restless, and she instinctively wanted to escape. “I’m going upstairs first.”
Chapter 23
“No, don’t.” Isabella grabbed her arm, “Did you come alone? Let’s have dinner together. Mason is here too, though he’ll be a bit late as usual, you know he’s always busy.”
Harper wanted to leave, but her arm was held tightly. “Excuse me, I really need to go upstairs.”
She pushed Isabella’s hand away and started to climb the steps. Isabella followed behind, and together they walked upstairs. Harper hurried toward the locker room. Water droplets fell from her legs, making the floor slippery. As soon as she entered the locker room, a force from behind knocked her straight down.
“Harper-”
Isabella called out from behind, feigning concern as she reached out to help, “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
Harper’s knee hit the ground, turning red. “I’m fine.”
She took her clothes and went into a cubicle to change. Isabella stood outside and talked to her, “You fell so hard, are you really okay?”
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