Bride Behind the Mask novel Chapter 640

The sound was sharp and piercing, tightening an invisible string in everyone's heart.

Turning towards the source, they saw Frederick standing in front of a familiar Maybach.

He wore an ash-grey suit under a long black overcoat. His imposing figure was reminiscent of a dashing general from a bygone era, both handsome and intimidating.

Striding past the busy firefighters, his determined steps halted in front of the onlookers. With a chilling voice, he repeated:

"If the order of departure is enough to cast blame, I can assure you, I was the last one to leave the factory."

Two hours earlier, Frederick had rushed to the factory to pick up Marguerite, only to miss her by a whisker.

Marguerite was a perfectionist, everything she touched had to be flawless. Worried she might have overlooked something in her diligence, he made sure to inspect the factory after their missed connection, especially since the new blush formula included an essence from Polar Radiance, making the project crucial to him.

Only after ensuring all was well did he leave the premises.

Halfway home, Zack's call came through—the factory was ablaze. Frederick, with Chuck by his side, braved the blizzard to return to the unfolding disaster.

Yuna's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Frederick. She had never imagined he'd been to the factory too! If he was indeed the last to leave, how could she accuse Marguerite of any wrongdoing? Damn it all!

But Frederick's next words plunged her into even deeper panic.

"Penelope, the blizzard was fierce today. It took me quite some time to return. How did you three manage to arrive so quickly?"

Penelope recounted their evening without omission, "Before we clocked out, Yuna mentioned a chowder house out in the suburbs that was supposed to be superb, so Hackett and I decided to join her. Halfway through dinner, Yuna got a call about the fire. The mall's not far from here, and as soon as we stepped out, we saw the flames and rushed over."