The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 342

Chapter 342 Closet Hideout

Chapter 342 Closet Hideout

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“But back then… I was really sick. There are parts I don’t remember clearly anymore, she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Sebastian’s eyes flickered intensely, something complex–and unreadable surfacing in their depths.

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly–he was about to speak when-

“Ding–dong.”

The doorbell rang abruptly, cutting through the quiet.

The distant look vanished from Riley’s face in an instant. She moved to the security monitor by the entrance.

On the screen stood Lucas‘ head of security.

“Not good,” she whispered under her breath. Turning quickly toward Sebastian, she said, “I’m sorry–you need to hide in the closet. Now.”

Sebastian didn’t argue, just gave a short nod. “Got it.”

Riley drew a steadying breath and opened the front door.

Outside, the lead guard wore the same detached, professional expression. “Ms. Harper,” he stated in a businesslike tone, “Mr. Ashford is concerned about potential intruders or overzealous fans. We’ve been asked to conduct a full sweep of the premises.”

Riley scoffed inwardly, though she let annoyance show on her face. You’ve got to be kidding me. This is the most secure neighborhood in Havenbrook. How would anyone even get past the gate?”

‘Standard precautions,” the guard replied flatly, unmoved. “It’s/best if we take a look.”

Without waiting for her consent, he signaled to the men behind him.

Several broad–shouldered security personnel stepped inside, spreading out with practiced efficiency. They moved through the villa without ceremony, checking under furniture and behind doors with quiet thoroughness.

Riley’s nails pressed hard into her palms.

Even though she was confident Sebastian was well hidden, her heart hammered against her ribs. The fear that they might find some trace of him–a misplaced item, an out–of–place scent–clawed at her nerves.

Soon, though, the men emerged from the rooms empty–handed, shaking their heads at their leader.

A flicker of disappointment crossed the guard’s face, but he kept his polite demeanor intact. “Apologies for the intrusion, Ms. Harper.”

With a curt nod, he led the team out, closing the door firmly behind them.

The heavy thud of the lock finally allowed Riley to release the breath she’d been holding.

She hurried to the bedroom and pulled open the closet door.

1/3

15 pm P P P P

Chapter 342 Closet Hideout

inside, only rows of neatly hung blouses and folded sweaters stared back. No Sebastian.

Her stomach dropped.-

“Sebastian?” she whispered into the quiet space.

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No answer came.

Had he slipped out the window during the commotion? She was just beginning to wonder when, from between two ordinary stacks of sweaters, a long–fingered hand shot out. Before she could react, it clasped firmly around her wrist and tugged her inward.

“Hey-!”

Caught completely off guard, Riley lost her balance and tumbled straight into the closet, landing squarely against a warm, solid

chest.

Still slightly dazed, she looked up into the man’s deep eyes, now glinting with playful amusement.

One arm stayed snug around her waist, holding her in place against him. He raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk touching his lips.

“So? Did I pass the hiding test?”

Riley’s anxious heartbeat slowly steadied as that familiar sense of safety, wrapped around her. She adjusted herself slightly in his hold and couldn’t help a soft laugh, swatting his arm lightly.

“Aren’t you a little old for hide–and–seek?”

Sebastian’s low chuckle vibrated gently near her ear. He tightened his arm just a fraction, his chin resting naturally in the curve of her shoulder–close, comfortable.

Turning his head slightly, he replied with mock innocence, “You’re the one who told me to hide.”

The sheer confidence in his tone left Riley with no real comeback.

She shook her head in amused defeat, extricating herself from his embrace to push the closet door fully open.

Bright daylight spilled in, washing away the cozy dimness.

“Alright, they’re gone. Come out and get something to eat.”

Sebastian followed her out smoothly, without a trace of awkwardness or irritation at having been stashed away.

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