Chapter 427

As the workday drew to a close, Elyse arrived at Elite Lux.

Before she went upstairs to see Daniela, she turned to Natalie with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Daniela may be tough, but she's not tougher than Brylee was. Remember, Brylee was once the wealthiest woman in the country, and yet, she still met her end."

Right after Elyse spoke, the elevator doors slid open in front of her.

Daniela was inside.

The smile instantly vanished from Elyse's face, and her thoughts scrambled.

Had Daniela overheard her?

The assurance Elyse felt just seconds before drained away. She asked tentatively,"Daniela, what brings you down here?"

Daniela responded simply, "We're going to see Caiden."

Elyse trailed behind her and entered the car.

She took a seat in the back with Daniela, while Natalie sat up front.

Throughout the drive, Elyse stole glances at Daniela, searching her expression for any sign of emotion.

However, Daniela's face was so composed that Elyse couldn't determine if she had caught any of their earlier conversation by the elevator.

Natalie, noticing Elyse's nervous movements in the rearview mirror, looked over at Daniela.

After a moment's hesitation, she smiled and said, "Daniela, how is Caiden doing? Mom and I are quite concerned about him. Even though your mother is gone, Mom and I still feel like we're family with Caiden."

Daniela turned her gaze to the window. The orange streetlights outside bathed her face in a cold, detached light.

After Natalie finished her statement, she shared a quick look with Elyse, then continued with a smile,"Daniela, you know, just before we got on the elevator, Mom and I were discussing the mother of a classmate of mine. She was a lot like Aunt Brylee,such a capable woman."

Natalie aimed to redirect their earlier conversation, implying they had been speaking about someone else,not actually Brylee.

Daniela, however, did not respond.

Natalie caught a glimpse of the back of Daniela's head, felt a sinking feeling, and looked away.

The car continued its journey, ascending the winding mountain road.

They left the bustling streets of the city and ventured into a more isolated road.

As they approacheda particularly dark stretch without streetlights, Natalie's unease grew. "Daniela, we are going to see Caiden, right?"

Daniela remained silent.

As Elyse peered into the dark night outside, her anxiety intensified. "Daniela, where are we heading?"

Daniela placed her hands on her knees and replied, "We're on our way to see Caiden."

The night deepened, and the surrounding scenery grew increasingly barren and sinister.

Elyse scrutinized Daniela, catching glimpses of her face in the sporadic moonlight, revealing a chilling,almost dangerous sharpness.

"But this doesn't seem like the route to any hospital," Elyse said, her voice filled with alarm as she gripped the seat in front of her.

In the enveloping darkness, Daniela chuckled lightly.

The sound was haunting, filled with a clear threat. Natalie's heart raced, her voice quivering as she asked, "Daniela, wheré éxactly are you taking us?"

In the faint light streaming in, Daniela turned to face them.

Their expressions were etched with real terror, as though they had just grasped the full meaning of fear.

Daniela seemed entertained by this. "Aunt Elyse, why are you frightened? If your conscience is clear, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. You're a righteous person, aren't you? What could possibly scare you?"

Elyse was caught off guard. She wasn't sure whether Daniela's comments were pointed or merely offhand,but they unsettled her.

"I'm not scared," Elyse said, clenching herjaw."What reason do I have to be frightened? I haven't done anything shameful. And surely, your mother is looking out for me from heaven. After all, I was her sister."

Just then, the car came to a stop.

Daniela opened the door and announced to those inside, "We've arrived."

Elyse instantly turned her head, her heart racing with anxiety.

What was this place?

An eerie, flickering light cast unsettling shadows around them. The entrance sign was askew, its letters hard to decipher.

With reluctance, Elyse got out of the car, clutching Natalie's hand firmly. She nudged the entrance sign with her foot.

Clang! The abrupt sound made them both startle.

Elyse quickly took out her phone, using the flashlight to illuminate the ground.

The sign read "Shadowpeak Madhouse."

The last letter·was barely visible due to weathering, while the other letters were painted in a disturbing shade of what looked like red paint or perhaps dried blood, adding to the ominous atmosphere. "Daniela, what on earth is this place?" Elyse asked, her voice shaking.

Daniela regarded their frightened faces with contempt. "Didn't you say you wanted to see Caiden? He's inside. Let's go."