Chapter 10 Five Days

• At that moment, she was only wearing an oversized white shirt, which almost entirely engulfed her school uniform, leaving only her slender white legs visible. She appeared as fragile as a sheet of thin paper, looking as if she could be swept away by the wind.
• Based on the host's memories, the inhabitants here were far from ordinary. Some were retired military officers, while others were from influential and high-ranking families.
• Annabeth took a deep breath, her eyes hardening. After about a minute, they returned to their normal state.
• Using her supernatural abilities to heal her body was something she often did in the past.
• However, at that time, she could only temporarily mend some superficial wounds, making her appear no different from an ordinary person.
• Her body was too frail now, and she needed some time to recuperate if she wanted to return to her pre-injury state. She took slow, measured steps as she made her way into the residential area.
• “Ms. Yardley,” the security guard greeted with a smile. He had a remarkable ability to remember names at a glance, especially for those who stayed in Redwood District.
• Annabeth nodded and proceeded into the residential area.
• The security guard observed Annabeth's steady strides and furrowed his brow. Why does Ms. Yardley seem different today? Was she always this spirited?
• In the Yardley residence, the atmosphere around the dining table was unnervingly tense.
• “It's been so many days already, and there's not a single bit of news. What on earth is going on!” Zachary slammed the table in frustration, causing everyone to fall silent.
• Ninette was feeling a bit anxious. The news of Annabeth's death should have surfaced in the past couple of days. But so many days have gone by, and there isn't even a whisper of it.
• “Dad, I saw Anna going out with a few male classmates the other day. She's probably having so much fun that she forgot to call home,” Ninette said in a soothing voice.
• Zachary became even more infuriated.
• “Gallivanting with young boys at such a young age? She's been out all night for several days now. She's completely out of control!”
• Tiffany Yates ladled a spoonful of soup for Zachary, her exquisite makeup accentuating her charming smile. “It's normal for young people to lose track of time while having fun and forget to come home. But... spending the night out with young boys... might tarnish a girl's reputation if word gets out...”
• Tiffany was undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire with her words.
• Zachary brushed her hand away, his expression growing increasingly somber.
• “If I recall correctly, Annabeth hasn't been back for about five days now,” the only boy at the dining table who was engrossed in his meal and undisturbed by the others said.
• “Felix, what did you say? Five days?” There was a slight shift in Zachary's expression.
• After taking a sip of his drink, Felix Yardley replied indifferently, “Seems like it, yeah.”
• “Why didn't you call the police? It's been five days!” Zachary glared at Tiffany who was beside him.
• Zachary had only returned a couple of days ago, so he was unaware that Annabeth had been missing for five days. Even though he didn't particularly like this daughter of his, and even felt a certain distaste due to the issue of his father's will, she was still his flesh and blood after all.
• He didn't dare to imagine what could have happened in five days.
• “Um... I...” Tiffany glanced at Ninette, who immediately spoke up. “Mom and I thought Anna was just being playful, so we didn't think much of it... Besides, she often hung out with those people...”
• Tiffany chimed in, “Yes, Dear, you're worrying too much. Annabeth will be fine... It's not the first or second time she hasn't come home at night while you're—”
• Bang!
• A sudden slamming of the door startled them all, and they promptly looked over.
• Linda Lowes hastily rushed to the door, only to see a figure silhouetted against the light. The moment those icy eyes swept over her, she couldn't help but shudder.
• She was unable to regain her composure for quite some time.
• “What happened?” Zachary asked.
• “Mr. Yardley, Ms. Annabeth has returned.”
• Upon hearing Linda's words, Ninette was completely stunned, her heart racing up to her throat. No... It can't be! Her eyes widened as she looked toward the door.
• Annabeth walked through the door step by step, her gaze sweeping over each individual at the dining table who had their eyes fixed on her.
• The only middle-aged man present, with a military bearing and well-balanced features, was her father, Zachary.
• The woman in the seductive red dress was in her thirties, yet her well-maintained appearance could easily pass for a woman in her early twenties. She was her stepmother, Tiffany. She couldn't help but click her tongue, noting the heavy makeup on her face.
• The boy, whose gaze was wandering over her, bore a striking resemblance to her. He was her biological younger brother, born of the same mother, Felix.
• Meanwhile, the other girl, filled with terror and confusion, was her deeply despised younger half-sister, Ninette, who was also Tiffany's daughter.