hapter 3
Chapter 3
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They arrived at the VIP ward of Barnes–Jewish Hospital.
A young woman with delicate features and a gentle demeanor leaned against the headboard of her bed, engrossed in a book.
Her name was Rebecca Lloyd, Franco’s fiancée. They had grown up together, and their bond ran deep.
Three years ago, it was Rebecca’s testimony that condemned Adelina, branding her the “mole.”
“Frank, you’re here!”
Rebecca set her book aside. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she spotted Franco.
But when her gaze shifted past him and landed on Adelina, the smile froze in place.
“Adelina? What are you doing here?” A flicker of fear danced in her eyes.
“Ms. Lloyd, it’s been a while,” Adelina said coolly, her sharp gaze raking over Rebecca from head to toe, dissecting her with surgical precision.
“I’m here to tell you something.
“The killer’s next target is you.”
Rebecca’s face drained of color, her delicate features twisting into a ghostly pallor.
“You… you’re lying! What gives you the right to say that?” she stammered, her voice trembling with defiance.
“This.” Adelina pulled a photograph from her pocket and held it out.
It was an image of the first victim.
“Look closely. Doesn’t the bracelet on her wrist look exactly like the one you’re wearing?”
Rebecca’s gaze dropped to the expensive diamond bracelet glittering on her wrist. Her body began to tremble uncon- trollably.
“It’s… It’s just a coincidence!” she protested, her voice cracking.
“Is it?” Adelina’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “What about the necklace on the second victim? Or the ear- rings on the third?
“Every single victim was adorned with jewelry identical to yours.
“He’s hunting your replica. He’s… declaring his target.”
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Chapter 3
“And tonight, he’s coming for the final piece.”
Adelina’s eyes settled on Rebecca’s bare neck, which used to have a necklace.
“Ms. Lloyd, where’s your necklace?”
Rebecca’s hand flew to her throat, her eyes wide with panic, darting like a cornered animal.
“I… I put it away!” she blurted.
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“Oh?” Adelina took a step closer, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “Or perhaps you didn’t put it away. Maybe you gave it to someone.
“Maybe you thought you could trust that person with your secrets.
“But you chose the wrong person.
“Tonight, the killer will come for you, to claim his final… offering.”
Rebecca shattered.
A piercing scream tore from her throat as she pointed a trembling finger at Adelina, her voice shrill with hysteria.
“Frank! Arrest her! She’s lost her mind! She’s cursing me to die!”
Franco didn’t move. His eyes remained locked on Adelina, searching her face.
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He knew Adelina never made claims without evidence.
“Everyone, listen up!” he barked, turning to his team with commanding authority.
“From this moment, I want round–the–clock protection for Ms. Lloyd!
“Turn this hospital into a fortress!
“Let’s see what this killer can do when he’s up against us!!”
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