The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 37

**TITLE: One Step Changes Everything**
**By Ruby Parker**
**Chapter 37: Something You Can’t Ignore**

Planning a birthday celebration for Venus felt like a small endeavor for Axel and Neil; it was a gesture they could easily manage.

“Alright, but let’s steer clear of our house. With everything that went down with Percy, I doubt Dad and Megan want to see her right now,” Neil remarked, his brow furrowing in contemplation.

Axel pondered for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. “How about we reserve a hotel? That way, we can keep it low-key and away from any family drama.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll reach out to the others and get the word out. But listen, I’m not inviting Rayne. We both know he can’t stand being around her. I’d rather not risk another confrontation,” Neil replied, his voice laced with caution.

Axel nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of responsibility as the eldest brother. Since they were making amends with Venus, he thought it would be fitting to pick out a meaningful gift for her.

However, when it came to choosing the right present, both brothers found themselves hesitating, a cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. It had been a whole year since Venus came into their lives, yet they still felt like strangers when it came to her tastes and preferences.

Axel recalled a memory from the past—a moment when Venus had mischievously taken her grandfather’s gold watch. Perhaps she had an affinity for watches? After all, despite her limited education and inability to navigate a smartphone, she could at least tell time.

With that thought in mind, Axel decided to purchase a women’s watch. It wasn’t extravagant by his standards, just a few thousand dollars, but he hoped it would resonate with her.

Meanwhile, Neil rummaged through his lab and grabbed a jar of brightening cream. He figured Venus would appreciate it—her skin had a rough texture and lacked luster, and he wanted her to feel more confident about herself.

On the other hand, Bree’s reaction was far from enthusiastic. The moment she caught wind of their plans to celebrate Venus’s birthday, she flatly refused to join them, claiming it would bring bad luck. Her superstitions were as unwavering as they were frustrating.

Unbeknownst to Venus, the three siblings arranged a small surprise party at the hotel, eager to bring a smile to her face.

The following day, Venus found herself deep in conversation with Florian about the events leading up to his untimely demise.

“I can’t recall anything from the day I died,” Florian confessed, a distant look in his eyes. “But I remember the day before vividly. It was Thursday—I had just wrapped up my last magazine shoot for the month. Since I had no more work lined up, I told my manager I wanted to take a few days to unwind at home.”

As he spoke, a shadow passed over his expression. “But hold on a second. That’s strange. I never intended to go hiking that week. I just wanted some downtime. So why did I end up plummeting to my death in the mountains?”

Venus, intrigued, leaned in. “Was there any surveillance footage from the mountain entrance?”

Florian shook his head, frustration evident in his demeanor. “No, unfortunately. After I passed, my spirit lingered around my family. They checked, but the security cameras in that area were outdated and malfunctioning.”

As he shared his story, he noticed Venus’s intense gaze fixated on him, making him feel uneasy.

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