Returning With A Thousand Favors

Chapter 306

Joy illuminated Marina’s face as she swiftly concealed the wire as she pushed the door open with determined resolve.

Whether it was due to neglect or something more sinister, a bone–chilling aura permeated the room, sending shivers down Marina’s spine upon entry.

Cautious of arousing suspicion, Marina refrained from switching on the lights.

Instead, she approached the window and opened it, relying on the moon’s ethereal glow to survey her surroundings.

As her eyes discerned the room’s contents, her brows furrowed involuntarily, struck by a disturbing revelation.

The chilling aura now made sense–this was a laboratory.

Tools and instruments sprawled across the laboratory’s domain, their purpose veiled in secrecy.

These objects were all too familiar to Marina, stirring questions within her mind.

Contemplating the various possibilities, Marina pondered. “Could it be that Mr. Fermon is also an alchemist?”

She meticulously examined the moonlit scene, hoping to uncover valuable clues. However, the table held only ordinary laboratory chemicals and standard drugs, devoid of peculiarities.

Marina’s furrowed brows deepened, a conviction forming within her and she thought, “There must be something else concealed here. Why else would it be so zealously guarded?”

Squinting her eyes. Marina scanned the room, her gaze landing on the vacant wall to her left.

While the other walls boasted cabinets and paintings, this wall stood bare of any decorations–an oddity in the grand design.

Marina advanced with measured steps, curling her fingers and lightly tapping the wall. The sound reverberated, betraying an emptiness within.

Swiftly, Marina looked for a nearby switch.

After turning an inconspicuous ornament, the wall in front of her slowly opened from both sides.

Under the dim moonlight, Marina could vaguely see what seemed to be another laboratory inside. However, she could not see the details clearly.

As such, she prepared to turn on the lights.

After all, it was a clandestine room nestled within the attic of a large mansion, and illuminating it should raise minimal suspicion.

Just as Marina scoured the room for the switch, the sound of footsteps echoed behind her.

She whirled around, alert and ready, her hands instinctively balling into fists, poised for self–defense.

“Miss Bailey, why are you wandering alone in the dead of night? Are you not supposed to be asleep?” The voice that broke the silence belonged to none other than Mr. Fermon himself.

Uncertain of his intentions, Marina responded with feigned casualness, her words betraying her vigilance. “I could not sleep. so I thought a midnight stroll would do me some good.”

Marina subtly shifted her posture as she offered her explanation, pressing her back against the wall.

With a calculated step, she positioned herself closer to the window, a strategic vantage point for both attack and retreat.

12:47 Sat,

“Is that so? Miss Bailey, your nocturnal escapade seems to have led you astray. This is hardly a suitable place for someone like yourself. Come, let me escort you back to your room to rest,” Mr. Fermon’s voice carried an absence of anger.

Marina’s eyebrows knitted together, her body frozen in place.

Despite the enigmatic fondness displayed by the person before her since their first encounter, she could not dismiss the possibility that they were still adversaries.

However, it could not be ruled out that the two were enemies.

In the realm of trust, consorting with one’s enemy often leads to an imminent demise.

“Miss Bailey, do not be afraid. I have no ill intentions toward you. If you come with me now, we can feign ignorance and forget what just happened,” Mr. Fermon assured, sensing Marina’s unease, and hastened to explain.

“Is that so? Mr. Fermon, you’re indeed very generous,” Marina replied skeptically.

Marina narrowed her eyes, hidden amidst the dimly lit surroundings, her upper body shrouded in darkness, concealing her true expression from the person before her.

“I have always been extremely generous to you. Now, come here to me,” Mr. Fermon said, reaching out toward Marina.

“Your gesture is truly touching, Marina remarked, her gaze fixed upon the outstretched hand.

After a brief moment of hesitation, she advanced, her steps deliberate and measured.

Emerging from the shadows, Marina unveiled a faint smile, her disheveled hair cascading gracefully behind her head.

Her appearance exuded an air of purity and innocence, a stark contrast to the flicker of emotion in Mr. Fermon’s eyes. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Marina halted before Mr. Fermon, her hand slowly rising as if surrendering herself to him.

However, just as her hand neared his, her expression instantly changed, and with swift decisiveness, she grasped his wrist instead.

In a fluid motion, she executed a shoulder throw.

However, to her surprise, Marina realized her opponent possessed greater skill than anticipated..

The abrupt throw failed to topple Mr. Fermon to the ground.

As he landed, his free hand swiftly found support and he launched a retaliatory sweep of his leg.

Although Marina managed to evade the attack, she lost her grip on Mr. Fermon, creating a sudden distance between them.

Marina pressed her lips together, unblinking as she locked her gaze onto Mr. Fermon.

Her thoughts raced, “This person is far more elusive than I ever imagined. I failed to recognize the depths of his skill.”

“Has Miss Bailey’s stamina truly recovered?” Mr. Fermon rose calmly, his voice and demeanor void of panic.

Marina offered no response, maintaining her silent resolve.

A knowing smile tugged at Mr. Fermon’s lips, “It appears more accurate to say that Miss Bailey never lost her strength. wouldn’t you agree?”

“You possess remarkable skills. Who exactly are you?” Marina questioned as she swiftly sifted through her memories, unable to recall such a formidable enemy.

“Didn’t I introduce myself to you, Miss Bailey? Your memory should be impeccable. It hasn’t been that long for you to forget, has it?” Mr. Fermon replied, his tone was calm as if unruffled by Marina’s previous attack.

Marina’s voice grew resolute, repeating. “I’m referring to your face. Remove your mask!”

Mr. Fermon remained silent, merely regarding Marina with an unwavering gaze.

His stance made his intentions clear.

*I detest those who skulk and hide like cowardly mice the most. Since you refuse to unveil yourself, I shall do it personally!” Marina’s words hung in the air as she charged toward Mr. Fermon with lightning speed.

Her movements were so swift that he barely managed to evade.

She succeeded in lifting a corner of his mask, briefly revealing a smooth chin before he swiftly concealed it once more.

B