The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 61

The stretch Lincoln navigated the streets with smooth precision.

The heat inside the cabin seeped into their bones, chasing away the chill.

The young woman's slender fingers rested lightly on the man's sleeve, as weightless as a cloud.

Alistair noticed she had made a habit of fiddling with his cufflinks.

He had left in a hurry today, wearing simple rhinestone links on his cuffs.

With one hand gripping his sleeve, she reached out with her index finger, lightly brushing against the cufflink.

It seemed like a subconscious gesture.

*Click, clack—*

The cufflink tapped against the button, making a faint, muted sound.

"Uncle Alistair, I'm so glad you're here," she whispered.

It seemed she had finally recovered a little from her sheer terror. Her voice trembled slightly, and beneath her damp, heavy hair, a pair of clean, clear eyes peered out.

The corners of her eyes were still rimmed with red, making her look like a startled doe baring her softest, most vulnerable side to the person she trusted most.

Alistair's brow furrowed, and he kept his voice remarkably soft.

"You're safe now."

He wasn't naturally good at comforting people.

He noted her drenched clothes.

She was wearing a simple white blouse today, and the wet fabric clung to her, faintly revealing the pink lace of her lingerie beneath.

Averting his gaze, Alistair looked out the window. The hand she was clinging to didn't move an inch, allowing her to hold on as tightly as she needed.

The southside estate was the closest property to the scene of the incident.

The car pulled up to the front doors, and Ken opened the door on Celia's side.

"Ms. Stafford, we've arrived."

Outside, several maids in immaculate uniforms were already waiting. They gently and carefully helped Celia out of the car, immediately wrapping a warm, dry blanket around her shoulders.

"Miss, let's get you inside for a hot shower."

Murmuring soothingly, the maids supported Celia and guided her toward the estate.

The temperature in his eyes instantly plummeted, turning as dark and freezing as an icy abyss.

"Get a copy of their interrogation report."

Ken stiffened, an involuntary shiver running down his spine. "Right away, Mr. Zucker."

--

Third floor, en-suite bathroom.

Warm water cascaded over Celia's flawless, luminous skin. She closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh as she enjoyed this hard-won moment of peace.

Steam began to rise, fogging up the vanity mirror.

White mist billowed against the frosted glass of the shower doors.

The hot water steadily washed away the lingering cold in her bones.

After a long while, Celia finally opened her eyes. They were razor-sharp and entirely clear.

She had genuinely expected Alistair to question her in the car while the memory was fresh, pressing for details about Charles.