"You two go first."

    Vespera directed Fawn to the window and helped her climb through. "Run, then call the police. Even if you get lost, just keep moving-get as far away as you can and find somewhere to hide."

    "Okay, I understand," Fawn replied.

    Though her body felt frozen with anxiety, she managed to force herself onto the windowsill. Just as she was about to jump down, she stopped and turned back.

    "Miss, what''s your name?"

    "Go! Don''t waste time with questions!" Vespera urged, pushing her out the window.

    Every second mattered-they still had others to help get to safety.

    Startled by Vespera''s tone, Fawn didn''t hesitate any longer. She quickly jumped down to the ground.

    She had nned to ask for her name, thinking she''d express her gratitudeter. This young woman was sharp, brave, and calm under pressure. She knew when to be gentle and when to be assertive-qualities that were truly admirable.

    Soon, Fawn was already out the window.

    On the other side of the building, Calvert crashed through a window and stormed into the banquet hall, already searching for them.

    His expression grew dark as he took in the chaos. He grabbed a nearby guest and asked, "Who''s the host here today?"

    Startled by the sudden question, the guest pointed toward Emily, who was busy guiding people out.

    Without wasting a second, Calvert charged toward her.

    At that moment, a security guard hurried out from a side door, heading straight for Emily. "That woman suddenly went into a room, and—ah!"

    Before he could finish, his throat erupted in a blood-curdling scream.

    Calvert acted quickly, grabbing the guard by the back of the neck and pulling him close. "Was it the one in the green dress?"

    Outside the private estate, Dominic arrived, apanied by several others.

    At the grand ss doors, several women in elegant gowns and masks stood in the dim light, their silhouettes barely visible.

    It seemed they wanted to step outside but were unable to, trapped in ce. "Open the door."

    "Yes, sir."

    At Dominic''smand, a few of his men stepped forward, ready to break down the door.

    But before anyone could react, the door swung open by itself. Thedies-already annoyed after being told earlier that the main entrance was broken-were takenpletely by surprise.

    Just as they were about to voice their frustration, they were confronted by the sight of several imposing men standing in the doorway.

    Panic rippled through the crowd, and the women scattered in all directions.

    Dominic and his men moved in swiftly.

    Without wasting time, he ordered part of his team to locate and disable the signal jammer, while he headed straight for the banquet hall.

    Back on Vespera''s side, the pounding on the door became even more frantic.

    Having already climbed out, Felicia wasted no time. Without a word, she sprinted away, not even ncing back at Vespera.

    Vespera had sensed long ago that Felicia had recognized her, but she couldn''t be bothered to address it.

    "Yaz, hurry," Vespera urged, giving Yasmine a firm push.

    Yasmine didn''t bother with any pretenses-she lifted her dress and climbed out, abandoning her usual delicate demeanor.

    Once outside, she immediately moved to assist Reba through the window.

    Vespera was thest to climb out.

    With all three of them safely through the window, they kicked off their heels and crouched low, swiftly heading toward the flowerbeds that bordered the side of the parking lot.

    Calvert would be able to pick them up from there-but only if they managed to reach it.

    Without warning, the door burst open with a deafening crash.

    "Ladies! I''m here to rescue-"

    Calvert stormed into the room, only to find it empty.

    He walked into the bathroom and quickly spotted the open window. Without hesitation, he leaped through it in one smooth motion.

    Outside,

    thickestate grounds were vibrant flower some

    climbing roses,

    sculpted into dense floral walls.

    They were the perfect spots for anyone trying to stay hidden.

    Vespera and the others crouched behind a wall of clematis flowers.

    Reba quickly dialed Calvert''s number, while Vespera quietly sent a message

    to Dominic.

    The moment the signal jammer was

    disabled, Dominic''s phone buzzed with Vespera''s message. Before he could open it, his phone range-it was Fawn.

    SUM

    The instant he answered, a panicked, muffled cry echoed through the line.

    "Dominic... Dominic, help me... I''m at—ah!"

    The call was filled with frantic sobs, a piercing scream, and the unmistakable sound of someone sshing into water.

    Dominic''s face went ashen.