Chapter 547 Business Trip
"Really?" George mused, "Maybe I'm just being too sensitive."
Wanda felt a cold sweat break out on her back. "Studies show that when people lose their sight, their other senses become more acute. No need to worry, Mr. Russell." She forced a smile. "Shall we start today's session?"
George nodded and obediently sat back on the couch. Wanda breathed a sigh of relief, not noticing the enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Meanwhile, at Sophia's villa, Seraphine and Lucas were sprawled on the living room carpet, surrounded by picture books.
"Grandma," Seraphine suddenly looked up, her big eyes filled with worry, "Is Mom really just on a business trip?"
Sophia's hand trembled slightly, almost spilling her water. "Of course, sweetie. Didn't she call you?"
Lucas frowned. "But Mom sounded weird on the phone, like she was sick."
Sophia set her cup down and pulled Seraphine and Lucas into a hug. "Mom's just busy with work. She'll come to see you as soon as she can."
"But..." Lucas looked up, his face serious, "I dreamed last night that Mom was in the hospital, all covered in bandages."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat, but she forced a calm smile. "Dreams are usually the opposite of reality. It means Mom is very healthy."
Seraphine suddenly broke free from Sophia's embrace and ran to the phone. "I want to call Mom again!"
"Seraphine!" Sophia hurried to stop her. "Mom might be in a meeting right now. We shouldn't disturb her."
Seraphine and Lucas exchanged a skeptical glance, clearly not buying Sophia's explanation.
That night, after Sophia had gone to her room to rest, Seraphine and Lucas met secretly in the children's room.
"I think Grandma is lying," Lucas whispered, his little face tense. "Something must have happened to Mom."
Seraphine bit her lip and nodded. "I overheard Grandma talking to the housekeeper today. They mentioned 'hospital' and 'ward.'"
The two whispered together for a while, then their eyes lit up.
"We can go see Mom ourselves!" Lucas said excitedly, then quickly covered his mouth and glanced warily at the door.
Seraphine pulled a piggy bank from her backpack. "I have some allowance money. We can take a cab!"
"I know which hospital Mom usually goes to," Lucas said mysteriously. "She took me there last time I was sick. I remember the way!"
They high-fived, agreeing to sneak out the next day while Sophia was at work.
The next day at noon, Wanda was organizing patient files in her office when Phoenix burst in, holding a large bouquet of red roses.
"Dr. Salazar," she said sweetly, "These are from Mr. Russell."
Wanda took the bouquet suspiciously and found a card nestled among the flowers: "Tonight at 7 PM, Grandview Hotel, Room 808. Don't be late. George."
Wanda's fingers trembled as she traced the gold-embossed card, her heart racing. She looked up at Phoenix, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "Why did Mr. Russell ask you to deliver this?"
Phoenix blinked innocently. "Mr. Russell came by the clinic looking for you. When he saw you weren't here, he asked me to give it to you." She dragged out her words teasingly. "Dr. Salazar, are you afraid to go?"
"Of course not!" Wanda shot back, carefully placing the bouquet on her desk. "I just find it odd."
Phoenix smiled knowingly and turned to leave, adding, "Oh, and Mr. Russell said to wear that red dress. He mentioned he's starting to see a bit of color."
As the office door closed, Wanda immediately picked up her phone and dialed George's number, but all she got was a mechanical voice: "The number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable."
Wanda bit her lip, her gaze falling once more on the vibrant roses. Logic told her to be cautious, but she couldn't suppress the excitement bubbling up inside her.
At five o'clock, Wanda wrapped up her last consultation early. She stood in front of her wardrobe, her fingers gliding over a row of designer dresses before settling on the expensive red one.
"He can see a bit of red," Phoenix's words echoed in her mind.
Taking a deep breath, Wanda pulled the dress out. After two hours of meticulous preparation, she looked stunning in the mirror. She spritzed on her most expensive perfume, donned her finest diamond earrings, and checked her purse one last time: phone, lipstick, condoms.
"This time, it has to work," she whispered to herself, determination gleaming in her eyes.
Standing outside Room 808 at the Grandview Hotel, Wanda took a deep breath and knocked gently.
No response.
She knocked again, harder this time. The door creaked open a crack.
"Mr. Russell?" she called tentatively, stepping inside.
The suite was dimly lit, with only the bedside lamp casting a warm, intimate glow. The air was thick with the scent of ambergris, mingled with a faint hint of red wine.
Wanda's heart pounded faster. She walked slowly toward the bedroom, where she could just make out a figure lying on the bed.
"George?" Her voice trembled with anticipation.
Just as she was about to reach the bed, she heard a noise behind her. The door had been locked.
Wanda spun around to see Phoenix leaning against the door, twirling a keycard in her fingers, a triumphant smile on her face.
"You!" Wanda realized she had been set up. "Where's Mr. Russell?"
"Unfortunately," Phoenix said with mock regret, "George had an emergency and asked me to reschedule."
Wanda shook with anger. "You forged that card!"
"Who knows?" Phoenix laughed, walking toward the bathroom. "Since you're here, why not take a bath? I even prepared some champagne for you."
Wanda noticed the ice bucket and glasses on the bedside table. She glared at Phoenix. "What are you trying to do?"
"Relax," Phoenix said, pulling a small camera from her bag and twirling it. "I just wanted to help you capture the moment."
Wanda's face went pale. She finally understood the trap. If she had undressed here, it would have ruined her.
"Despicable!" She lunged for the camera, but Phoenix dodged nimbly.
"Why so agitated, Dr. Salazar?" Phoenix taunted, retreating to a safe distance. "Were you really planning to do something with George?"
Humiliated and furious, Wanda grabbed her purse and bolted for the door. Phoenix didn't stop her, only calling out as she left, "Take care! And remember, don't be so gullible next time."
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