Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 359

In the dank and musty room, the persistent drip-drip-drip of water echoed like the turning of a waterwheel, a relentless symphony of sound.

With a sudden 'whoosh', the tightly shut roller shutter was yanked open from the outside, flooding the pitch-black room with a blinding beam of light, revealing the scene within.

A towering figure, well over six feet tall, hung upside down from a hoist, head pointed towards the floor. Beneath his head lay a massive tank brimming with water, its recent overflow contributing to the surrounding dampness.

The inverted man's upper body was sodden, and his face, engorged with blood from the prolonged suspension, bore veins that stood out in stark relief.

At the door, a slender figure slowly approached the tank. A line of somberly dressed men stood in a row, bowing respectfully as the woman entered, greeting her in unison, "Miss!"

The woman was dressed in a pure white dress, her waist-length hair a cascade of midnight. Her face, devoid of makeup, radiated an innocent beauty, like the dream girl of every man's fantasy.

A gentle, tender smile played at the corners of her mouth as she stood before the man.

Her delicate fingers brushed softly against his contorted face, her voice filled with regret and softness, "Lucian, you've disappointed me greatly."

In the shadows, Lucian's gaze shone with the ferocity of an eagle, locking eyes with Camilla who stood before him. Despite his head swelling from the blood rush, he maintained a defiant sneer.

Camilla huffed, flicked her wrist, and with a subtle tilt of her chin, the hoist holding Lucian suddenly dropped, plunging his upper body into the water.

His wrists, twisted behind his back and bound tightly with rope, bore ghastly marks.

Filthy water rushed into his body from every orifice, leaving him unable to breathe, feeling as if he were dying and being reborn.

It seemed an eternity before Camilla finally raised her head, lifting him once more into the fresh air.

"Amanda..." Camilla sat in a chair that had been prepared earlier, her elegant legs crossed, idly toying with her manicured nails. She spoke with a meaningful tone, "That was an unexpected move. But was it worth it, sacrificing your life for your son's worthless one?"

Someone beside her was peeling an apple. She reached out, and the person immediately handed her the peeled fruit.

Turning slightly, she glanced at the person and plucked the paring knife from their hand.

As she toyed with the knife, she asked Lucian in a seemingly offhand manner, "When did you start entertaining thoughts of betraying me?"

Lucian remained silent. Suddenly, a sharp pain seared through his waist. Camilla had thrown the sharp blade, narrowly missing his body, leaving a cut from which he could feel the warm flow of blood seeping towards his armpits.

"Next time, it might not be just a cut..." She was interrupted by the ring of her phone.

Glancing at the caller ID, a tender smile graced her lips. She stood up, smoothing down her gown, and instructed someone to gag Lucian.

Forced to open his mouth to its limits, Lucian was stuffed with something, reduced to making muffled noises.

She answered the call, addressing Lucian, "I'll give you some time to ponder your answer."

With that, she answered the phone with a sweet, "Hello, Kieran?"

"Where are you?" Kieran asked, cutting straight to the chase.

"On my way to visit Amanda at the hospital..." she responded tenderly.

"Grandma's been discharged. Come straight back to the manor," Kieran said and ended the call.

Eric, who stood beside her, bowed his head low, "My apologies, sir. I lost track of Ms. Stewart."

Kieran waved a dismissive hand, "It's okay, you may go."

Amanda sat on the sofa, stewing in her frustration, her brow furrowed in concern from the hospital to the house, never easing.

Julie sat beside Amanda, trying to comfort her, "Grandma, Bolt said Phoebe was taken by Bruce, so he must be with Lucian now. No matter what, Phoebe is Lucian's flesh and blood. Don't worry, Lucian'll look after him."

"And how do you know Bruce won't betray Lucian?" Amanda's gaze cut sharply across, softening only when she inadvertently met Kieran's eyes, realizing she had been harsh with Julie.

To an outsider, Camilla's plea might make it seem like Phoebe was her own child. At least, her current expression showed a profound attachment to the kid.

But clinging to her husband like that? How magnanimous did Camilla think she was? Still, considering Camilla's state of mind, Julie could empathize.

Just as Kieran was about to gently ease Camilla's grip from his arm, Julie stepped in and reassured her, "Don't fret, we won't leave any stone unturned in finding Phoebe. You look worn out. Why don't you try and rest a bit? Kieran will get in touch with the police immediately."

Kieran smiled as he looked at his wife. Yep, his wife was his spokesperson.

Julie helped Camilla to her room, then patted her shoulder saying, "We're on it, don't fret too much."

Camilla nodded, but her face still etched with worry, didn't seem to take comfort in Julie's words. Julie gently closed the door behind her, not noticing it hadn't latched properly, and headed toward the master bedroom where Kieran was showering. Oblivious to the oversight, Julie only heard the water running and knew Kieran was in the bathroom. She pushed open the door, ready to share her thoughts, "Kieran, I've got to tell you, I've realized..."

Her words halted abruptly as she caught a glimpse of Mr. Hernandez's glorious form through the steam—droplets of water cascading down his broad shoulders.

"I'll come back later," she said with a playful smile, turning to discreetly shut the door.

Unexpectedly, she felt his hand reach out and pull her inside.

"What did you want to tell me? Hmm?" His presence was commanding as he pinned her against the wall, their proximity allowing her to see the fine hairs on his face.

Julie's finger prodded at his waist, a trivial gesture to maintain some semblance of distance.

"I was going to say..."

What was it she had been so eager to talk about? How easily she was distracted by a handsome man!

"You forgot?" He arched an eyebrow, brushing a kiss on her lips, "Well, if you've forgotten, it can wait."

His thumb traced her lips before he leaned in for a deeper kiss...