Chasing the Unexpected

Pauline turned pale and collapsed to her knees under Gabriel’s intense, chilling gaze. She knew what he was capable of, but implicating Jane would make her fate even worse.

Resolving herself, she said firmly, “Mr. Hackett, no one told me to do it. If you don’t believe me, call the police. I swear it was an accident!”

Her words hung in the air as the room fell silent.

Just then, a gentle female voice broke the tension. “Gabriel, what’s going on? Why is everyone gathered here?”

Everyone turned to see Jane approaching with a soft smile.

When she noticed who was on the floor, she appeared surprised. “Pauline, what are you doing here?”

A flicker crossed Pauline’s eyes before she quickly lowered her head. “Ms. Wilkie, I accidentally bumped into Ms. Kinsey. She thinks someone put me up to it and now wants me to name the person… I swear, I’m innocent…”

Jane frowned slightly and looked at Gabriel. “Gabriel, you know Pauline’s character. She wouldn’t hurt a fly. This must be some kind of misunderstanding.”

Gabriel’s expression remained cold. “Regardless, she caused a disturbance at Grandpa’s birthday party. She needs to explain herself.”

Jane nodded and, with a sigh, turned to Nyla. “Ms. Kinsey, the party is about to start, and your dress has champagne on it. Let me take you upstairs to change. Once the party is over, we’ll address this however you see fit. The Wilkies won’t object.”

Nyla thought for a moment and then smiled slightly. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead, Ms.

Wilkie.”

She had guessed who was behind this the moment Jane showed up. Exposing Jane here wouldn’t be worth it–she wanted to see what else Jane had in mind.

“Please, follow me, Ms. Kinsey,” Jane invited.

As Nyla prepared to leave, a hand suddenly gripped her wrist.

Damon leaned close and whispered, “If anything feels off, call me immediately.”

Nyla smiled softly. “I will.”

She knew Jane wouldn’t dare pull anything too drastic in front of so many guests.

As they left, Gabriel instructed that Pauline be confined for the time being, then reassured the guests, “Sorry for the disturbance. Please continue to enjoy yourselves. Apologies if

anything was amiss.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

The guests soon resumed the celebration as if nothing had happened.

In another part of the house…

Jane led Nyla to her personal dressing room and gestured to a wardrobe. “Ms. Kinsey, these dresses are all new. Please choose one that you like.”

4

Nyla glanced at the options, noting they were all outdated, with designs from several seasons ago. She raised a brow, suddenly realizing the reason behind Jane’s plot. It seemed she had dressed too well and had taken Jane’s limelight.

Nyla picked out a long white dress anyway and said, “Ms. Wilkie, I’ll take this one.”

“Great, Ms. Kinsey. I’ll wait outside while you change,” Jane replied.

“No need. I don’t mind you being here. Besides, if anything goes missing while you’re not here, it’ll be hard for me to explain myself,” Nyla hinted.

Jane’s smile froze, not expecting Nyla to be so direct.

“Ms. Kinsey, I trust you,” she said and turned to leave.