The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 38

**One Step Changes Everything**
**By Ruby Parker**
**Chapter 38: Unexpected Revelations**

“If someone kills me, I’ll track down the real culprit and make them pay,” Venus declared, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.

Florian’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re just a teenager! How can you be so fearless?”

Venus remained composed, a calm resolve washing over her. The thought of being buried alive didn’t faze her; she had an inner strength that defied her age.

With a sly smirk, she replied, “Life’s too fleeting for me to be a pushover. I’d rather embrace madness than let others dictate my fate.”

She paused, her gaze piercing as she continued, “If someone dares to take my life, I won’t let them escape unscathed.”

A flicker of understanding crossed Florian’s face. “You’re right. I feel like I’m already dead—what more do I have to lose? Forget about being nice. Let’s hunt down that bastard.”

He racked his brain, piecing together the fragmented memories of that day. “I remember asking my manager for time off that Thursday. But instead of going home, I headed to the hotel to pack my things first.”

He had a place in Zrebert, but staying at a hotel nearby made more sense; it saved him the hassle of commuting back and forth during the shoot.

“I can recall arriving at the hotel… but after that, it’s all a blur,” he admitted, frustration creeping into his voice.

Suddenly, a realization struck him like lightning. “My luggage isn’t at home; it must still be at the hotel! I had booked it for a week, and the reservation ends tomorrow.”

Venus nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. “Let’s check the hotel room. We might uncover a clue.”

They arrived at the opulent front of the five-star hotel, its grandeur overshadowing their worries for a moment.

As Venus stepped out of the taxi, her eyes caught sight of Neil, standing at the entrance with his hands planted firmly on his hips, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation. “Weren’t we supposed to meet at seven? Why are you here so early?” he questioned, his brow furrowing.

Neil had come ahead of time to prepare a surprise birthday party for her, but it was only noon! Why couldn’t Axel get anything right? Why did he tell her to arrive at this hour?

The surprise was all but ruined.

Venus brushed past him, ignoring his presence entirely as she strode into the hotel lobby.

“Why are you ignoring me?” Neil’s voice was laced with frustration, a hint of anger flashing across his face.

Perhaps she was still upset over the incident at the hospital.

Neil reminded himself that as her older brother, he should take the high road. There was no need to hold a grudge against a girl. He approached her, attempting to sound amicable. “Okay, I admit, last night was my fault. But you never explained yourself! Plus, you kicked me! Let’s just call it even.”

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