chapter 5

After spending the night tangled up with Evelyn, James suddenly remembered me. He asked the servants about my situation, but they stammered, "Sir, you told us last night not to bother Mrs. Carter... so, we don't know."

James's face darkened. "You didn't even send her food?"

The servants exchanged looks and shook their heads.

"What?!" His expression changed instantly. "You couldn't have sneaked some in even if I said not to?"

"James, don't worry. It's just one missed meal. She'll be fine." Evelyn came down the stairs and gently took his hand.

Evelyn came downstairs and took his hand.

"But Mrs. Carter hasn't eaten for two days," Susan said.

A flicker of irritation crossed Evelyn's face as she shot Susan a sharp glare before continuing, "James, think about it. If you give in this time, it means you're backing down. Who knows what she'll accuse me of next?"

"I'm fine, my life's worthless anyway... I'm just worried about the baby..." Evelyn's hand rested protectively on her belly, her face full of fake worry.

Susan couldn't stand it anymore. "Sir, I saw Miss Johnson sneaking into the basement both last night and the night before. Not sure what she was up to."

"Susan, you—" Evelyn froze for a second, then quickly calmed down. "Susan, you must've been seeing things. It's dark. Besides, I was with James all night—how could I have gone out?"

"Right, James?" She tugged at his arm.

James gave her a long look, then said coldly, "Let's check the basement."

He pried her hand off and strode toward the basement without a glance back.

A shadow crossed Evelyn's face.

Susan followed quickly, fumbling for the key. As the iron door creaked open, a wave of burnt smell hit them. Everyone froze at the sight inside.

The basement was smoked deep black. Everything inside had turned to ash.

A small flame was still flickering in the corner.

"Oh my God!" Susan screamed, rushing in. "What happened here?"

"What the hell happened? Where's Ava?" James's brows furrowed tightly, his face grim.

Everyone stood silent. His face darkened further. "Say something! You are all mute now?"

He yanked the guard forward, veins bulging on his temples. "I told you to watch her! Where is she? Why the hell did it catch fire?"

The guard's legs gave out as he dropped to his knees, stammering, "I—I don't know!"

"You don't know?" James's fist clenched tight, and he suddenly slammed the man against the wall with a loud crack.

He gripped the guard's throat, eyes full of rage. "I told you to watch her! And now you tell me you don't know?!"

As James's large hand tightened, the guard's face turned red, and he was on the verge of passing out.

Evelyn gasped and rushed forward. "James, calm down! The basement is sealed and dry—it could've just caught fire by accident! Maybe Ava escaped before it happened. Maybe she's just trying to scare you?"