All heads tumed towards the source of the commotion— a distant blaze consuming a structure.

Ariana stood frozen, her heart racing uncontrollably.

“It appears that the Blue Night Manor is on fire."

“How unexpected! There are numerous buildings and people in proximity to the manor."

"The fire is spreading rapidly. We should leave."

“| happened to be passing by the Blue Night Manor when I heard a loud explosion. I wonder what caused it."

"The Blue Night Manor has a comprehensive fire safety system. How could this happen?"

The voices of concerned passersby mingled with the blaring sirens of approaching emergency vehicles. Ariana trembled, her entire body gripped by fear, and without a moment's hesitation, she sprinted toward the manor.

Ariana hurriedly rushed back, only to find the once-familiar place engulfed in flames.

The fire seemed to have started in the second-floor restaurant and quickly spread throughout the entire Blue Night Manor. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burning, accompanied by chaotic noises and terrified screams.

Police officers immediately formed a barricade, awaiting the arrival of fire trucks.

Trembling, Ariana fumbled to tum on her phone, her hand slick with cold sweat.

Her heart raced in her chest, anxiety consuming her.

She tried to console herself that Theodore, with his high status, could have already come out of the manor with the help of the waiters. What was more, he always had his driver and assistant with him, even though she hadn't seen them earlier. They must be waiting outside, ready to rescue him.

Ariana desperately prayed for Theodore's safety.

Regret washed over her like a tidal wave. If only she had returned to the private room earlier. She loathed herself for losing her temper with Theodore. In this moment, she realized that being angry about him keeping secrets was trivial. He would have eventually confided in her.

Amidst the frantic evacuation from the Blue Night Manor, Theodore was nowhere to be seen.

Anxiety consumed Ariana as she quickly dialed his number as soon as her phone powered up.

Thankfully, after a few agonizing seconds, the call connected.

“Where are you?" she asked, panic and anxiety lacing her words.