Don't panic.
Don't lose control.
Aria's eyes scanned ahead. She used to work at the Smith Hotel, so she knew this place better than any ordinary guest.
At the upcoming corner, she turned toward the restroom.
Meanwhile, behind her, Micheal and his men continued straight ahead, just missing her.
It was just a matter of seconds—he had almost caught her.
There was no way Aria would actually go into the restroom. She exited through the stairwell and immediately took off her shoes.
Barefoot, she stepped silently along the stairs. The stairwell lights were motion-activated, so as long as she didn't make a sound, the lights wouldn't come on—and no one would know she was there.
At top speed, Aria dashed out through the back exit of the Smith Hotel.
"Aria, over here."
Philip was waiting once again like a lifesaver. He had changed to another inconspicuous car and quickly pulled her in before speeding off.
The small car had just merged onto the main road when Aria spotted a familiar black Maybach in the rearview mirror.
The moment their cars passed each other, she saw him.
That very moment, she wanted so badly to call out to him, to warn him to beware of Ruby, to stop falling for her schemes.
But the words never made it past her lips.
Their marriage had already fallen apart. Now, all that remained between them was hatred.
He hated her for supposedly killing his grandfather.
She hated him for causing the death of their daughter.
"Aria, are you okay?"
Philip noticed Aria crying as he drove.
Silent tears streamed down her face, making her look heartbreakingly fragile.
Aria bit her lip. Not wanting Philip to worry, she forced a smile.
"If my daughter were still alive, you would've loved her. You've always loved kids."
"She would've looked like you, right?" Philip asked softly, eyes on the road.
"Mm."
"I knew it… Otherwise, how could he bear to hurt her…"
"Philip, stop. Please." Aria interrupted him.
"Aria, do you want me to talk to him? I could tell him the truth."
"No."
Aria grabbed the sleeve of Philip's shirt.
Philip was gay—he could never have romantic feelings for her. But that was their secret. She had promised not to tell anyone, and she never would.
"Ugh, I'm so useless," Philip cursed, slamming a fist against the steering wheel. "What now, Aria? Should I take you far away? I'm really scared he'll find you…"
Aria shook her head. "No. It's too late for that now. Philip, drop me off at the next intersection. I want to be alone and think things through before deciding what to do next."
Her mind was a mess—some vital clue kept flashing through her memory, as if the person who framed her was just about to emerge in her mind.
But just as quickly, that feeling vanished again.
Time was running out. The more anxious she got, the harder it was to think clearly.
"But Aria…"
"No buts, Philip. Unless you don't want to be my friend anymore, pull over. Now," Aria shouted.
Philip finally stopped the car by the roadside, reluctant but obedient.
Aria got out and began walking aimlessly across the pedestrian crossing.
Tomorrow, when daylight broke, she would go to the crematorium.
She would expose Ruby—no matter what.
Even if Micheal ended up wanting to kill her for it, she wouldn't regret it.
She had to let the old man rest in peace. He had treated her well—she couldn't let him die in vain.
Having made up her mind, her heart suddenly felt lighter.
She stopped thinking and left everything up to fate.
In the darkness, Aria made her way quietly toward the crematorium.
With every step she took, she had the eerie feeling someone was following her like a ghost.
But every time she turned around—there was no one there…