Chapter 248
248 The Mask Begins to Crack
Leo stepped forward, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit, a warm smile fixed on his face. But the look in his eyes , as they met Scarlett’s, was cold and sharp–like the edge of a blade dipped in ice.
His gaze lingered, sliding down to the tiny vermilion birthmark on her left earlobe. For just a moment, hi pupils contracted ever so slightly.
His smile remained unchanged, but his right hand subtly slipped into the inner pocket of his suit , brushing against something cold and metallic.
A faint but unmistakable aura of killing intent drifted into the air, laced with the scent of old blood.
Scarlett suddenly looked up, locking eyes with Leo. In that instant, she saw it–the glint of serpents coiling in his pupils, flicking their tongues.
“Ms. Lane, you are indeed sharp,” Leo said, voice smooth as ever, though the air around them had grown noticeably colder. “But metaphysics is a matter of belief. If you believe, it exists. If not, it doesn’t. Why be so aggressive?”
As he spoke, his sleeve slipped slightly, revealing a strange necklace on his wrist–its beads unmistakably carved from human finger bones, glinting eerily in the light.
Scarlett’s stomach tightened, but her expression remained calm.
“I just don’t want certain people using metaphysics as a tool for deception, violating the traditions of our ancestors.” She put clear emphasis on the word “ancestors,” sweeping her gaze slowly over the Lane family members present.
Grayson had been about to speak up for Rebecca–he still believed in her abilities.
But Scarlett’s words struck a nerve.
Bringing the ancestors into this?
If he said anything now, it would be seen as disrespect.
And he had always presented himself as someone who upheld family traditions.
So he fell silent.
Sophia seized the moment and picked up the thread.
“Scarlett is absolutely right. The Lane family has always prided itself on reason and integrity. This kind of mystical showboating–what kind of example does it set?”
She turned to Rebecca, her expression icy. “Little astronomer, I don’t care how many tricks you play in other houses. But if you ever pull anything that harms the Lane family, don’t blame us for being ruthless .”
Rebecca, already rattled from having her tricks exposed and shaken by Leo’s barely concealed fury, now found herself completely cornered.
She glared hatefully at Scarlett but didn’t dare speak.
Chloe forced an awkward smile.
12:08 Tue 19 Aug
T16 :19 (FAU
248 The Mask Begins to Crack
“ Well , little astronomer, I suppose it’s already generous of you not to hold a grudge against Scarlett. Since our family doesn’t align with your methods, it’s probably best we part ways . Still , your skills are clearly impressive. I’m sure the Seth family will be in capable hands.”
With those words, the guests seemed to remember-
Kason’s situation had been predicted with startling accuracy.
Could a fraud have done that?
Now, things didn’t seem quite so black and white.
Maybe this disagreement was simply a matter of differing schools of metaphysics.
Everyone had their own way. Disagreements were bound to happen.
And just like that, Rebecca’s image began to recover.
The earlier crisis of confidence began to fade.
But Leo hadn’t stopped watching Scarlett.
That smile on his lips was frozen, no longer warm but stretched too perfectly–like the stillness of a predator just before the pounce.
He would remember this woman.
He would remember those sharp eyes that cut straight through illusion.
Just then, Scarlett’s phone buzzed.
It was a message from Jack.
She read it–and smirked coldly.
“The Seth family, huh? Might be worth a visit.”
That caught everyone’s attention. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Fɪndηovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Sophia considered for a moment, then nodded. “If we’re considering hiring an astronomer, we should at least verify her capabilities. I agree–we should look into what’s going on with the Seth family.”
Everyone else chimed in with agreement.
If they were going to trust someone with their family’s secrets, they had to be sure.
A fraud could do more than just fail to solve problems–they could destroy everything.
Rebecca let out a slow breath. Her composure returned. Her cool, detached persona settled back into place.
“If that’s the case, then go ahead and investigate,” she said softly. “I have full confidence in my skills.”
Leo shot her a displeased glance–she was talking too much.
But the words were already out. There was no taking them back.
248 The Mack Begins to Crack
Scarlett stepped forward , turning to the Houston family representatives.
“ T’d like to stop by the hospital first. I’ll take my leave for today.”
Dreame instantly responded, “I’ll go with you!”
At that moment, the VIP wing of the hospital was packed.
The sharp scent of disinfectant filled the air, unable to mask the underlying tension–a mix of anxiety , curiosity, and murmured speculation.
Outside one of the rooms, Kason stood with red–rimmed eyes and a crooked tie , his usual polished demeanor nowhere in sight. All that remained was despair, teetering on the edge of collapse.
Just minutes earlier, the head physician had removed his mask and delivered the final blow.
“Mr. Tristan’s condition has worsened rapidly. Multiple organ failure… We’ve done all we can. It’s time to start preparing for the end.”
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