Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1157

Agnes, with her clear and refined demeanor, seemed enigmatic with the constant shield of her glasses, as if the spark in her eyes was always hidden behind the lenses. Even standing just ten feet away, Agnes felt as though she had never truly known this person—strangely alien and frighteningly unfamiliar.

Kearney strolled in leisurely. "Septima, glad you could make it."

Agnes, irked by Kearney's nonchalance, pressed, "Kearney, what on earth have you done to Phenix?"

Kearney responded, "Septima, why so impatient? Choosing to confront me now, do you think it will make your life any easier?"

Impatience was indeed Agnes's failing. But Agnes also knew that, patience or not, a confrontation was inevitable. Since Kearney had "invited" her here, confiscating her phone and isolating her from the outside world, the facade was already torn. Might as well get it over with.

Agnes couldn't begin to imagine what else Kearney had done. It was only after seeing Phenix that Agnes realized Kearney's deceit was gradually being exposed, impossible to hide any longer.

Pointing at Phenix's neck, Agnes demanded, "Kearney, you might fool others, but you can't fool me. What have you done to Phenix?"

Despite the heated argument with Kearney, Phenix seemed oblivious, drowsily drifting to sleep in the chair, unaware of their dispute. This led Agnes to suspect that Phenix's current state might also be Kearney's doing. Trapped on this island, becoming drowsy and puppet-like, easily manipulated.

Kearney approached Phenix, crouching down gently. He held Phenix's hand, looking at him almost lovingly. His other hand tenderly brushed the hair from Phenix's face, tracing the contours of his face with his fingertips.

Agnes was horrified by Kearney's obsession. She pushed him forcefully, "Don't touch him, you have no right."

Kearney, knocked to the ground, appeared unruffled. He rose smoothly, standing before Agnes like a gentleman. "Septima, I've brought you a special gift."

Agnes felt a sudden tightness in her chest. "What have you done, Kearney?" she asked.

Kearney merely smiled. "Why don't you come with me?" He then left Phenix's room, with Agnes reluctantly following. A bad feeling overwhelmed Agnes. But at this point, there was no turning back.

Following Kearney, they entered what appeared to be Reggie's study. Kearney activated some mechanism, and a row of bookshelves slid aside, revealing an elevator. "Septima, come," Kearney invited gently, his every word sending shivers down Agnes's spine. Yet, Agnes stepped into the elevator with Kearney.

There were no floor buttons inside, only the descent. The silence in the elevator was profound. Kearney stood at the door, his back to Agnes. Dressed in a bespoke suit, tie perfectly knotted, his shoes shone brightly, not a speck of dust in sight.