Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight

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As Scarlett and Taylor approached the living room entrance, they found an unusual number of servants still on duty. Several bodyguards stood at attention by the doors, their expressions serious and unreadable.

Taylor’s brows furrowed at once.

Thest time the house had been this tense was when Grayson had insisted on staying with Chloeb–/ban event that had ended with the matriarch enforcing house discipline.

Back then, Taylor had still been young, but he’d admired Grayson’s boldness and refusal to back down.

But tonight was supposed to be a celebration.

Why such a grim setup?

Anyone walking in might’ve thought someone in the family hadmitted an unforgivable crime.

“Did anyone know you wereing home tonight?” Taylor asked.

Scarlett hesitated, clearly thrown off by the atmosphere.

Taylor’s mind suddenly clicked.

He’d had a racing event today, and had already told the family he wouldn’t be home that night–he’d even nned to join his friends at the club after the race.

But his worry for Scarlett had overridden all that. He’d ditched everything toe pick her up.

From Scarlett’s expression, he could tell–she’d figured it out too.

This setup wasn’t for him.

It was for her.

Inside the living room, Aurora sat beside the old matriarch, face streaked with tears.

A few maids stood nearby, all looking exhausted and defeated.

The matriarch slowly rolled a jade bracelet in her hand, her expression cold and unreadable.

She said nothing.

The entire room felt chilly.

The very walls and marble floors seemed to radiate a quiet hostility.

“Madam,” Samson whispered at the door, “Ms. Scarlett and Mr. Taylor have arrived.”

The matriarch paused, her fingers stilling on the bracelet.

“Taylor’s back too?”

It sounded like a casualment.

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Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight

But Samson grew even more cautious.

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“He went to pick up Ms. Scarlett. Said it waste and he didn’t feel safe letting here home alone.”

From the side, Aurora’s eyes shed with venomous resentment.

They’d only just reunited as siblings–how were they suddenly so close?

Putting on a perfect show, weren’t they?

The Lane family was always bso /bsickeningly good at appearances.

“Very well. Let them in.”

As the wordsnded, Scarlett and Taylor stepped into the room.

It was clear even to a fool–this was no reward ceremony.

This was a trial.

Taylor instinctively stepped in front of Scarlett, shielding her.

He shed a smile at the matriarch.

“Grandma, you’re still awake? Didn’t the doctor say you need to stick to a strict sleep schedule?”

The old woman gave a nomittal hum, slowly leaning back against the couch.

“Couldn’t sleep. Then I heard you two were home, so I figured we should have a little talk.”

Taylorughed lightly.

“Grandma, it’s sote. I’m about to pass out, and Scarlett’s beenpeting all day. Let’s chat tomorrow instead. I’ll even take you to church myself–deal?”

His hands stayed behind his back, quietly signaling Scarlett to slip away.

But before she could move, the matriarch coldly ordered the doors shut.

She wasn’t ying games anymore.

Her eyesnded directly on them.

“I heard something disturbing today. If it isn’t resolved, I fear I won’t sleep a wink.”

Before either of them could ask what she meant, she looked to the butler.

“Exin.”

Samson stepped forward, his voice carefully measured.

“This morning, the matriarch was scheduled to go out, but her car never arrived.”

“Weter discovered that the garage door had been locked from the outside. Two drivers were trapped inside.”

Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed.

There really had been no car avable this morning.

If Jasper hadn’t showit up, she might not have made it to thepetition at all.

But this had nothing to do with her side of the family.

So why treat them like criminals?

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It reminded her all too much of those years living with the Joyner family, constantly being framed by Reba.

Same script, different cast.

Taylor asked, “And? Did you figure out what happened?”

Samson nodded gravely.

“After investigating, we discovered someone had locked it deliberately. The goal was…”

He faltered, as if afraid to continue.

The matriarch raised a hand. “Speak. I won’t me you.”

“But I’ll warn you now–if you lie, even once, I’ll deal with you personally.”

Samson wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“Yes, Madam. I’ll be honest.”

The matriarch gave a nod. “Go on.”

Then she turned to Scarlett.

“You two are still standing? Sit. You should hear this too.”

Taylor immediately protested.

“Grandma, you can handle this however you want. I’m too tired for this. Can’t I just go to bed?”

She snorted.

“You ungrateful boy. You never care about family matters. Tonight, you’re sitting. Don’t move.”

Taylor sighed. “Fine, I’ll stay. But Scarlett’s beenpeting all day. She’s exhausted. Let her rest.”

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