Chapter 264 You Were Looking for Zachary
In the dark corners of this world, there was more than just the fraud center.
People like Winona, if sold, were typically auctioned to wealthy nations via the dark web, a hub for the affluent.
Sometimes, just one auction could earn a lot of money.
Winona dreamt of being sold to a fraud center, completely influenced by those videos, having a mental image, but the dark web was different.
Ordinary people only knew it was terrifying, but they didn't know how scary it really was. Devoid of tangible imagery to inspire, the realm of dreams remained an elusive sanctuary.
Winona was silent.
She paid no heed to Zachary, lifting the covers to head to the bathroom for her morning ablutions.
Over ten minutes elapsed before she emerged, her countenance restored to its initial state. Only a faint reddish tinge lingered around her eye sockets, imperceptible to a casual observer.
Noticing Zachary still seated on the sofa, Winona furrowed her brows ever so slightly. "You should leave here. I require privacy to change attire. Please depart."
Anticipating Zachary to conjure another excuse to linger, Winona was surprised when he indeed rose and made his way outward.
Winona trailed behind him, escorting him to the threshold.
The man chuckled softly, "If you are loath to see me depart, then I shall linger a while longer."
Winona's hand was already on the door. She rolled her eyes at his words. "I'm afraid you'll sneak around somewhere. If I don't personally see you out and lock the door, I won't feel at ease."
With a sardonic smirk, Zachary turned on his heel and exited the room.
Bathed in the morning light, Zachary's commanding stature was amplified, his inherent handsomeness captivating to onlookers.
Winona looked at him solemnly and said, "Thank you."
Zachary hesitated for a moment, then asked, "What did you say?"
"Nothing," Winona smiled, "I just suddenly remembered how much you've helped me, and I haven't properly thanked you."
Zachary fell silent for a few seconds, then spoke, "It's still early. You should get some more sleep."
Winona instinctively replied, "No, I'm running late, and it wouldn't be good to keep my colleagues waiting."
Zachary's expression darkened slightly at her words. Without a word, he turned and headed back to his room.
She indeed overheard the conversation between him and Matthew at the doorstep, even mentioning a dream of being sold to a scam center to have her kidneys harvested.
Yet, despite hearing all this, she pretended not to, graciously thanking him at the door with solemnity that conveyed an unmistakable message.
It was simply a veiled way of conveying her desire not to continue their association.
Zachary, feeling restless and slightly afflicted by a headache, likely provoked by Winona, found his thoughts in disarray.
Although the bed linens had been changed by housekeeping the night before, an unsettling remnant of the overpowering scent from the woman of the night lingered still.
Attempting to repose, he discerned a lingering trace of the potent odor, prompting an abrupt rise from the bed. With a stern countenance, he promptly dialed Dylan, directing him to procure a new accommodation.
With Winona tidying up and breakfast prepared for Matthew, the group opted not to descend to the second-floor dining hall. Instead, they gathered in Matthew's quarters for a meal, seamlessly transitioning into an impromptu morning meeting.
Winona made the necessary preparations, ensuring Matthew's breakfast was arranged. Although the dining area was located on the second floor, they were too indolent to descend, and thus a few of them opted to dine in Matthew's room, casually transforming the occasion into a morning meeting.
Upon hearing that he would have to stroll down Eirondia Avenue later, Rex's visage fell, and he sighed. "Even when it comes to accompanying my wife on shopping trips, I manage to evade if possible. Yet here I am, accompanying you gentlemen on a jaunt. Thank goodness for Winona's graceful presence; otherwise, it would be dreadfully dull. Last night, as I removed my socks, I discovered that my feet were swollen."
A bystander jested, "Winona is not someone you should be daydreaming about. Be wary, lest Matthew have you running fifty laps around Eirondia Avenue. By then, not only will your feet be swollen, but you might swell up as well."
Winona furrowed her brow, about to retort, when Matthew interjected, "Let's not jest, or else I'll have you running fifty laps, mouth gagged this time."
Laughter echoed through the room, swiftly steering the conversation back to matters of business.
All present were astute individuals; the nuances of Matthew's feelings toward Winona did not escape anyone's notice. Although playful banter had been exchanged previously, his sudden denial now suggested a rejected confession of affection.
The fact that a man as commendable as Matthew remained unattached prompted the other two single individuals to subtly elevate their own esteem. To be single like Matthew seemed to signify a newfound radiance and refinement within themselves.
After the meal, they hailed a cab to Eirondia Avenue. Yesterday, they had admired its facade; today, they scrutinized its interior. Lunch was savored alfresco once more.
Winona appeared somewhat distracted, her gaze wandering restlessly.
Matthew inquired, "Is everything alright? You seem a bit off."
Ever since her sudden departure yesterday, although nothing untoward had occurred, Matthew observed her with heightened vigilance today.
Almost reflexively, whenever her focus shifted to a particular direction, he followed suit, fearful that she might once again be ensnared by some alluring distraction.
Winona averted her gaze and shook her head, saying, "No."
However, her demeanor did not quite align with a genuine "no."
Matthew asked, "You're looking for Zachary, aren't you?"
He was not a fool. This was Mode City. Winona just ran off last night, and Dylan appeared in front of him. He tried to stop him from looking for someone as if Dylan had been following them for a while.
Winona remained silent, seemingly confirming his assumption.
Matthew didn't pursue the topic further and smiled wryly, "I plan to return to Dreamopolis tomorrow. Do you want to stay a few more days in Mode City, have some fun, or come back with me?"
Winona thought for a moment and replied, "I'll come back with you."
The coronet was scheduled to be delivered to the museum the day after tomorrow, and the painting at the halfway villa was still awaiting restoration. With no time to linger in Mode City, tonight marked her final opportunity.
She inquired, "Any other places we should visit tonight?"
Matthew replied, "None, we'll be heading back tomorrow. Feel free to plan tonight as you wish. Is there anywhere else you would like to explore?"
After two straight days sauntering down Eirondia Avenue, even the most stunning views had lost their charm. Although Mode City was not a tourist city, it was still an international metropolis with plenty of attractions. "The night view of Mode City is one of the best in the country. I'll book a restaurant with a view and go check it out."
"No, thanks," Winona declined, "I want to wander around on my own tonight. I've come all this way, might as well buy some gifts for friends."
Matthew was unsure whether Winona genuinely wanted to be on her own, was trying to distance herself from him, or had made plans with Zachary. Regardless, he did not press the matter further. "Very well, take care of yourself. If you need anything, give me a call or come to the room."
After his departure, Winona strolled through quieter streets, avoiding the hustle and bustle, leisurely taking in her surroundings.It wasn't long before Winona encountered two figures blocking her path, halting her leisurely stroll.
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