Chapter 378 Sneak Attack
The night had fallen, and thick clouds obscured the moonlight, leaving the Stuart Villa shrouded in darkness. In the distance, George's car approached slowly, stopping about 600 feet from the villa. He turned off the engine and lights, then grabbed a black jacket from the back seat, putting it on as he eyed the luxurious villa ahead with a sharp gaze.
George had anticipated obstacles, but the sight of the villa's heightened security made him frown.
Normally, there were only two guards patrolling the grounds, but tonight, at least eight guards in black uniforms were stationed at various points, their bulging waists indicating they were armed.
"Looks like Michael was expecting me," George muttered with a cold smile. He pulled out his phone and brought up a satellite map of the villa, scrutinizing potential entry points. He noticed a tall ginkgo tree by the back garden wall, its branches dense enough to sneak through.
Inside the villa's east-side security room, the head of security, Matt, was watching the monitors, tapping his fingers on the desk.
"Matt, the sensor at the southwest corner just went off, but the camera didn't catch anyone," a technician reported.
Matt said immediately, "Switch to the thermal imaging system."
The screen changed, revealing a faint red human silhouette outside the back garden wall.
"Someone's approaching. Alert everyone and follow the plan," Matt ordered calmly, though a hint of alertness flashed in his eyes. "Mr. Michael Russell made it clear that no one is to disturb Ms. Jones tonight, especially George."
"Got it," the communicator relayed the instructions through his earpiece.
Outside the back garden wall, George was carefully climbing the ginkgo tree, his movements light and agile, making no sound. Just as he was about to scale the wall, four powerful beams of light suddenly illuminated him from different angles.
"George, come on down," a calm yet authoritative voice called out.
George squinted through the bright lights to see Matt standing below with four guards, all holding strong flashlights, their stances professional, clearly having been lying in wait.
"You guys are quick," George remarked, showing no sign of panic, instead offering a look of admiration.
"Mr. Michael Russell analyzed your possible routes thoroughly. This tree was the best choice," Matt replied evenly. "We're just following the plan. Please understand, tonight is not a good time to disturb Ms. Jones."
George jumped down from the tree, dusting himself off. "I just want to talk to Emma for a few minutes. Tomorrow is the wedding. Give me five minutes."
"Sorry, Mr. Michael Russell's orders are clear. No one is to disturb Ms. Jones, especially you," Matt responded politely but firmly.
"Your name's Matt, right?" George had seen Matt before, as Michael's trusted aide. He adopted a negotiating tone. "Emma and I have a deep misunderstanding. If I don't clear it up, she'll regret it for the rest of her life. I just need five minutes, even three."
Matt's expression remained unchanged. "George, I'm just following orders. If you insist on seeing Ms. Jones, you can do so at the wedding tomorrow."
A cold glint flashed in George's eyes. "You know there's something wrong with the wedding. Emma's being manipulated by Michael. Her memory has been altered."
"Don't insult Mr. Michael Russell and Ms. Jones's relationship," Matt's face turned serious. "This is your final warning. Please leave."
The tension in the air escalated. George looked around, realizing that forcing his way in was nearly impossible. But as he was contemplating his next move, a light turned on in a second-floor window of the villa.
"That's Emma's room!" George suddenly had an idea. He took a deep breath and shouted, "Emma! It's me, George! I have something important to tell you!"
"Stop him!" Matt ordered, and the guards moved in, but George was prepared, deftly evading their attempts to capture him, continuing to shout, "Emma! Michael is lying to you! Your memory has been altered! Don't marry him!"
Two guards lunged at him, but George's agility allowed him to fend them off easily. However, as he tried to shout again, a guard tackled him from the side, pinning him to the ground.
"Let me go!" George struggled, his eyes fixed on the lit window. "Emma! You have to hear me out!"
Matt approached, his tone stern. "George, please stay calm. We don't want to use force."
Determination shone in George's eyes. "You can't stop the truth. Tell Michael his scheme won't last!"
Meanwhile, inside the second-floor room, Emma was discussing wedding details with Mia. The muffled shouting from outside interrupted their conversation.
"What's that noise?" Emma asked, moving towards the window.
A flash of concern crossed Mia's face. She quickly grabbed Emma's arm. "It's probably the security dealing with something. Don't worry about it."
Emma frowned slightly. "It sounds like someone is calling my name."
"Emma!" The voice outside became clearer. "It's me, George!"
Hearing the name, Emma's expression grew complicated, and she quickened her pace towards the window.
Mia's heart raced as she stepped in front of Emma. "Emma, don't look."
"But..." Emma's voice was filled with confusion. "I want to know what George is saying."
Mia took a deep breath, her tone resolute. "It's because it's George that you shouldn't look. Emma, tomorrow is your wedding. Have you forgotten what George did to you? He'll only upset you."
The shouting outside grew more urgent. "Emma! Michael is lying to you! Your memory has been altered!"
"Don't listen to his nonsense. George can't accept his failure, so he's trying to disrupt you at the last moment. It's his usual trick."
"But what if..." Emma hesitated.
"No overthinking," Mia interrupted firmly. "I was there for you during your hardest times. I know better than anyone how much George hurt you. He's saying these things now because he can't stand to see you happy."
Mia walked to the window and drew the heavy curtains, blocking out the noise completely. "Emma, don't let the shadows of the past affect you now. Michael loves you. He's given you everything George couldn't. Trust your own feelings."
Emma stared at the closed curtains, her emotions in turmoil. Finally, she nodded slightly. "You're right, Mia. Whatever George is shouting, it's all in the past. Tomorrow, I'll marry the man who truly loves me."
Mia sighed in relief and hugged her gently. "That's the strong Emma I know. Now, let's get back to the wedding plans."
Outside the villa, George was firmly restrained by four guards. As he saw the curtains close, cutting off the light, a wave of bitterness washed over him.
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