"Mrs. Costello, please head upstairs," the maid beside Sophie said, stepping forward to guide her.


    Sophie nced at the maid. "If I stay cooped up in the house every day, I''m going to go stir-crazy. How about I step out into the garden for some fresh air? That''s not asking too much, is it?"


    "Not too much, I suppose," the maid hesitated. Mr. Odie hadn''t given them permission to let Mrs. Costello go outside.


    "Great! If it''s not too much, I''ll just take a little stroll. You don''t have to follow me."


    "But!" the maid protested, but Sophie was already striding towards the door, sensing the maid''s reluctance.


    In the garden, the patrolling security guards were taken aback at the sight of Sophie. She was still in her pajamas, but she straightened up, as if taking a casual neighborhood walk, humming a tune as she headed towards the flower garden. It felt just like a stroll in her own front yard.


    The maid hurried out, and a security guard approached her, whispering, "What''s happening? The boss didn''t say Mrs. Costello could be out here."


    "I don''t know either," the maid replied, anxious. "Have someone follow Mrs. Costello. If she escapes, we''re all done for!"


    "Right! On it!" Several guards hastily followed Sophie, keeping a respectful distance.


    Sophie nced over her shoulder and noticed the guards trailing her every move-left, right, they were right there. Perfect, no chance for escape.


    The maid jogged up, looking troubled. "Mrs. Costello, if you''re done with your walk, we should head back. If Mr. Odie returns and sees you outside, we''ll all be in big trouble."


    "Odie just left; he won''t be back so soon, will he?"


    "But..."


    "I get it," Sophie said, nodding.


    "You''re worried about exining this to Odie right? Don''t worry, I promise I''ll be back in my room before he returns. He won''t even know was out"


    "But..."


    "Hey, look over there!" Sophie suddenly pointed behind the maid, who quickly turned, only to see the Minton family''s security guards and no one else. "Mrs. Costello, there''s no one there..."All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    When the maid turned back, she was shocked. Out of nowhere, a man had appeared behind Sophie, followed by a dozen bodyguards who swiftly surrounded the Minton''s security team.


    In moments, everyone was subdued, leaving no room for resistance.


    "Colby?!" the maid gasped, trying to run but realizing it was toote. Colby''s men had already blocked her escape.


    Colby smirked slightly and made a gesture for silence.


    The maid had heard terrifying stories about Colby-rumors of his ruthless, bloodthirsty nature, and countless deaths at his hands. He was awless rogue!


    Realizing resistance was futile, the maid gave up. For someone like Colby, killing her would be as easy as squashing an ant.


    Sophie asked, "How did you know I was looking for you?"


    "Must be telepathy," Colby replied with a shrug.


    "Be serious!"


    Colby sighed, "The moment Odie''s car left, you dashed out here. If I didn''t figure it out, how could I be your husband?"