Nadia paced back and forth in the dimly lit hallway, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Each unanswered ring only heightened her anxiety. She dialed Ethan's number again, her fingers trembling slightly. The call connected on the third attempt.
"Ethan?" Her voice was strained, a mix of relief and frustration.
"Yeah?" Ethan's voice sounded distant, almost detached.
"Where are you? Why didn't you come home?" She couldn't mask the worry in her tone.
There was a pause on the other end, the silence amplifying her unease. "There was an attack," he finally said, his words heavy. "I'm okay, but I need you to do something for me."
Nadia's heart skipped a beat. "An attack? What happened?"
"I can't get into details now. Just listen. I need you to keep an eye on everyone at the villa. Watch their behavior closely."
Her mind raced with questions, but she bit her tongue, sensing the urgency in his voice. "What am I looking for?"
"If possible, find a moment to praise me in the dining hall, in front of everyone," he instructed. "The one who smirks and gloats might be the criminal."
Nadia's eyebrows knitted together in confusion, but she nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Okay, I'll do it. But please, be careful."
"I will. And Nadia... trust your instincts."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Nadia staring at her phone. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The villa was eerily quiet, the shadows of the evening stretching across the walls. She made her way to the dining hall, her mind replaying Ethan's words.
As she entered the room, she forced a smile, her eyes scanning the faces of those seated around the long table. The clinking of cutlery and murmured conversations filled the air. She cleared her throat, drawing their attention.
Nadia entered the dining room, her face a carefully crafted mask of calm. The room was filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and muted conversations. She took a deep breath and approached Gregory, her father-in-law, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Good evening, Gregory," she greeted warmly, taking a seat next to him. "How have you been feeling lately? I know the office has been keeping you busy."
Gregory looked up from his meal, his eyes softening at her concern. "Oh, you know how it is, Nadia. The usual aches and pains, but nothing I can't handle. The office has been demanding, but it's good to stay active."
Nadia nodded, offering a sympathetic smile. "I'm glad to hear that. It's important to keep moving. Speaking of the office, have you noticed any changes since Ethan took on more responsibilities?"
Gregory's expression brightened. "Yes, actually. Ethan has been quite impressive. He's shown a lot of initiative and has really stepped up."
"That's wonderful to hear," Nadia replied, her voice steady. "He's been working so hard lately. It's like he's a new person."
As she spoke, she subtly raised her voice, ensuring the rest of the room could hear. "I was just telling Gregory how grateful I am for Ethan," she continued, her eyes scanning the room. "He's really come back a better person, hasn't he?"
Several heads turned, their attention now focused on Nadia.
Several heads turned, their attention now focused on Nadia. Every member of the family seemed irked by Ethan's return, either hiding it behind polite masks or displaying it openly on their faces. Nadia continued her conversation, sensing the tension in the room.
"I must say, I was a bit apprehensive about Ethan's return," she said, her voice steady and thoughtful. "But he's really exceeded my expectations. His dedication and hard work have been remarkable."
She glanced at Gregory, her eyes seeking his reaction. "What do you think, Gregory? Hasn't Ethan done well?"
Gregory nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "Yes, Nadia. He's surprised me, too. He's shown a lot of growth and maturity."
As Gregory spoke, Nadia's eyes flicked around the table, gauging everyone's reactions. Then she noticed Ardrin, his face twisting into a mocking smile. The corners of his mouth curled upward, his eyes glinting with a mix of derision and amusement.
Nadia's heart pounded, but she maintained her calm exterior. Ardrin's reaction was telling, and it confirmed her suspicions. She forced herself to smile warmly, as if she hadn't noticed his expression.
"That's wonderful to hear, Gregory," she said, turning back to her father-in-law. "I'm so proud of Ethan. It's a relief to see him thriving."
The conversation continued, but Nadia's mind was racing. As the conversation continued, Nadia glanced at her watch a few times, her brows furrowing slightly. She sighed, her concern evident.
"I wonder why Ethan hasn't returned yet," she said, her voice laced with worry. "Did he get more work at the office, Gregory?"
Gregory shook his head, looking puzzled. "No, he didn't mention anything about extra work. He should have been back by now."
At that moment, Ardrin chuckled, drawing the room's attention. He leaned back in his chair, a sly grin on his face. "Maybe Ethan's at a bar, having fun like he always used to. Some habits die hard."
Nadia's eyes narrowed slightly, catching the underlying mockery in Ardrin's tone. She forced a polite smile, hiding her irritation. "I doubt that," she replied calmly. "Ethan's changed a lot recently. He's more responsible now."
Ardrin shrugged, his grin never faltering. "We'll see about that."
As dinner drew to a close, the atmosphere in the dining room remained tense. Nadia kept a close eye on Ardrin, noting his every move. When he finally rose from the table and headed towards his room, she discreetly followed.
Ardrin's room was at the end of a long, dimly lit corridor. Nadia walked quietly, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. She reached his door just as he was about to close it.
"Ardrin, can I speak with you for a moment?" she asked, her voice steady but firm.
He turned, surprise flickering across his face before he masked it with his usual nonchalance. "Sure, Nadia. Come on in."
Nadia stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. The room was spacious but cluttered, with papers and books scattered across the desk and bed. Ardrin leaned casually against the desk, crossing his arms.
"What do you need?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Nadia took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I wanted to talk about what you said at dinner. Your comment about Ethan being at a bar... it seemed more than just a joke."
Ardrin's grin widened. "Oh, come on, Nadia. You know how Ethan used to be. It's not far-fetched."
She took a step closer, her eyes locking onto his. "But it felt like you were trying to imply something. And that smile you had when I praised Ethan... it didn't go unnoticed."
Ardrin's expression shifted, the amusement fading. "You're reading too much into it."
"Am I?" Nadia countered, her voice growing firmer. "There was an attack today, Ardrin. Ethan called me and asked me to watch everyone's behavior. He thought it might help identify who was behind it. Your reaction tonight was... telling."
Ardrin's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, a flicker of something darker crossed his face. "And what are you suggesting, Nadia? That I had something to do with it?"
Nadia held his gaze, unflinching. "I don't know yet. But I do know that your behavior tonight has raised some serious questions. If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about."
Ardrin pushed off from the desk, stepping closer to her, his demeanor suddenly more aggressive. "You'd better be careful with your accusations, Nadia. You might find yourself in over your head."
Nadia stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated. "I'll take my chances. Just know that I'm watching, and if you're involved, I will find out."