The night grew deeper, casting a shadow over the countryside. The sky was brooding, heavy clouds hiding the moon, and a brisk wind rustled through the trees, whispering secrets to the night.


    Gideon''s car sped through the darkness. Before he knew it, he was at the gates of the Myers Manor.


    His car stopped at the entrance. The guard noticed the vehicle had been idling for a while and went over.


    Upon recognizing Gideon, the guard inquired, "Ah, Mr. Baker, what brings you here? Mr. Myers is away on business, not at home. If you need him, perhaps you should call him."


    "I''m not here for him," Gideon replied, meeting the guard''s gaze with determination. "I''m here to see Calliope."


    "You wish to see Mrs. Myers?" The guard''s gaze turned cautious, eyeing Gideon warily. "Mr. Baker, isn''t it a bitte for a visit? It hardly seems appropriate."


    "Let me in," Gideon demanded, his voice cold.


    "I''m afraid I can''t do that," the guard said, frowning. "Mr. Myers instructed us to ensure Mrs. Myers''s safety in his absence. I can''t let you in."


    "And what if she wants to see me?" Gideon challenged.


    "She wouldn''t see you at this hour," the guard insisted firmly.


    "She will," Gideon argued, frustration boiling within him. "She still loves me. She always has. She''s been angry, but it''s time. She shoulde back."


    Gideon tugged at his tie, pacing anxiously, his eyes fixed on the manor. He needed to get inside. He needed to see Calliope.


    All he required was a single word from her—just one word telling him not to go through with his wedding-and he''d abandon everything for her. He''d risk it all.


    "Mr. Baker have you been drinking?" the guard asked, irritation seeping into his yoice. "If you keep this up, I''ll have to call for backup to escort you away. It''s inappropriate to see Mrs. Myers at this time."


    "What gives you the right to dictate terms to me?" Gideon retorted sharply. "Ss isn''t here, so what''s stopping me? Step aside!"


    Gideon pushed past the guard with a forceful shove and dashed toward the Myers Manor.


    The guard tried to restrain him, but Gideon was too quick, leaving the guard sprawled on the ground.


    "Mr. Baker this isn''t right. You''ll regret this!" the guard shouted


    incredulously. "Stop now, or I''ll


    the security team. You know what''s at stake here, don''t you?"


    But Gideon was beyond reasoning, charging deeper into the manor as if possessed. Rain began to pour, intensifying his reckless sprint.


    Exasperated, the guard hurried back to his post and alerted Damien. After informing Damien, he also called Calliope.


    "Okay, I''ve got it. Don''t worry about it," Calliope replied before hanging up.


    She''d just finished her bath, dressed infortable pajamas. She stepped out onto the balcony, her phone disying the manor''s surveince feed. She watched as


    Gideon ran, driven by desperation.


    Meanwhile, Damien and his team emerged from another building, converging on the garden.


    The rain fell harder, umbres were unfurled, each a dark bloom under the glow of streetmps.


    Damien looked up at Calliope on the balcony, his face resolute. "Mrs. Myers."


    Calliope nodded, her voice calm, "Just follow protocol."