The Heiress's Second Chance At Vengeance (Eliza) novel Chapter 548

Chapter 548 The Baited Queen

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Eliza was starting to understand Wendy’s strategy. Humans were curious by nature, drawn to the allure of mystery. This girl group wasn’t meant for the general public–it was crafted for the upper class.

To those wealthy elites, their mystery made them rare, coveted treasures. After keeping them out of reach long enough, their sudden appearance would feed the audience’s hunger to conquer and possess. It was the perfect setup to catapult them into even greater fame.

Wendy’s move was brilliantly calculated, proof of her skill at manipulating social circles.

“I just wonder when she’ll show herself,” Eliza murmured.

They were here because of Wendy’s invitation, yet even after the girl group’s performance, there was no sign of her. Everyone’s attention was locked on the stage–no one was looking for her. Eliza and Nolan would have to search another way.

When the dance number ended, there was still no movement–until Wendy appeared on stage.

She wore a deep red Wendigo Corp gown, radiating the presence of a queen. “Welcome, everyone, to Wendigo Corp’s premier gala. I am your old friend, Caitlynn.”

The girl group instantly faded into the background. Every eye fixed on Wendy. Eliza and Nolan exchanged a glance–there was no way to touch her under such scrutiny.

“Tonight,” Wendy continued, “I hope you all indulge in the madness this evening will bring. I promise it will be an experience unlike any other.”

Then she vanished.

Thick white fog poured in from newly placed dry ice machines, masking the stage floor. Eliza realized she’d only ever seen such tricks on TV–an underfloor lift. No one saw her slip away.

“See if we can find her in the basement,” Eliza said.

“Already done,” Nolan replied. He had noticed the lift before she even spoke, and had sent his men below the moment she disappeared.

Eliza wasn’t surprised. Nolan’s eye for detail was razor sharp.

“Let’s go.”

Hand in hand, they moved to follow, loud music swelling behind them as the next performers took the stage. Eliza’s gaze hardened. What exactly was Wendy planning?

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19:16 Sat, Sep 6

Chapter 548 The Baited Queen

“Mr. Hayes, no sign of Wendy,” came a voice over Nolan’s comm.

Another voice cut in. “Mr. Hayes, we think we spotted her in the rear courtyard.”

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The courtyard again. They had been there before. Would she really try the same trick twice? The grounds weren’t large enough for her to stage a bigger ambush than their own team.

For Eliza, there was only one thought–catching Wendy. Only then could they uncover who was behind her.

“Doesn’t matter. We can’t let her get away. Let’s go.”

“Alright.”

They reached the courtyard, finding it completely empty. Wendy couldn’t have left through here; the hotel’s only real exit was the front door.

“Strange… where did she go?” Eliza frowned.

Then came the prickling awareness of eyes on them–many eyes. The sensation crawled over her skin. Nolan felt it too, and his men shifted into high alert.

Wendy’s voice floated down from above. She stood on the second floor balcony, looking down like a cat toying with its prey. “Ms. Eliza, Mr. Hayes, no need to be so tense. I only wanted to have a little chat. I’m not here to start anything tonight.”

Her chin rested lazily on her hand, her gaze drifting to the guards behind Nolan. “Looks like you’ve brought quite the entourage to catch me this time.”

Eliza’s tone was ice. “Wendy, you’ve taken too many lives. You should come back to Westbrook with us and face justice. Or perhaps you’d rather tell us who’s really behind you. Do that, and maybe you can earn some leniency. Don’t you think that sounds fair?” C