The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 643

Sheldon threw the small device to the ground and crushed it underfoot.

"Noah, come sit. Stop searching. There's nothing here. You really think I'd be foolish enough to hide Cassie inside Holden Residence?"

The more Sheldon spoke, the darker Noah's expression became. He had indeed suspected that, or he wouldn't have come to this villa in the first place.

"Come sit. Noah. I'm actually very pleased. You truly are the one I raised. You haven't let me down," Sheldon said with a faint smile.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Phelps. I don't blame you for my doubts," Noah said, lowering his head.

"You should doubt me. You did well. You were observant, bold, and careful. With my successor, I can rest easy," Sheldon replied, patting his shoulder.

"Mr. Phelps, I—"

"Noah, my strange behavior lately was all deliberate," Sheldon cut him off. "I wanted to test you, to see whether your abilities would meet my expectations. And you've proven that they are.

"But you're still missing one thing. Since you've already started investigating this villa, then go ahead and finish it. Show me what you're really capable of."

He chuckled lightly. "Go ahead and search. No need to hold back."

Noah couldn't read Sheldon's expression anymore. But with that lingering suspicion in his chest, he knew he wouldn't be able to let it go until he saw it through.

He nodded. "Then I'll keep looking."

"Good. Go on."

Noah no longer cared whether Sheldon stayed to watch. He removed the night vision goggles and began searching openly and methodically.

He checked every room, even tapping the floors. He inspected each space in turn, missing nothing.

Sheldon, meanwhile, made himself a pot of coffee and watched calmly from the side.

Noah moved with patience and focus. There was no sign of frustration or haste.

When he reached the study, he glanced back. Sheldon was still there, sipping coffee with an unbothered air.

Noah took a deep breath and stepped into the room.

Moments later, the sound of movement came from within. Sheldon stood up and slowly walked over.

Noah had opened a hidden door. He stood in front of it, eyes fixed on the dark, winding passage below.

"Well done. You haven't disappointed me," Sheldon said with a satisfied nod.

"Would you like to see what's down there?"

He gestured toward the darkness, but to Noah, the passage looked like the gaping mouth of a beast. Deep, twisted, and pitch-black. One wrong step, and it felt like he would be swallowed whole.

"Don't be afraid. I won't harm you." Sheldon patted his shoulder and stepped in first. "Come with me if you want to know the truth."

Noah steadied his breathing and followed. The hidden door closed behind them. Sheldon reached for the wall, and light suddenly filled the tunnel.

The corridor came into view. It was long and narrow, stretching downward without end.

"Come on."

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