Rewrite Her Thrilling Life (Lillian and Sebastian) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Richard’s Purpose

After nearly ten hours of flight, the helicopter finally touched down. As Lillian stepped out onto the unfamiliar ground, her gaze swept over a sprawling array of stilt houses that stretched far into the distance. The settlement resembled a village more than a city, with wooden homes perched above the water on long stilts, connected by narrow walkways swaying gently in the breeze.

The people bustling about wore traditional garments that immediately told Lillian she was in Morovia. Though she had visited the region not long ago, this place was clearly different—yet the cultural customs remained unmistakably familiar. The air carried a humid, salty tang, mingled with the faint sounds of distant chatter and the occasional creak of wooden planks beneath hurried footsteps.

Two men dressed in black suits flanked her as they guided her toward the main building—a two-story structure that stood sturdily on the water. Inside, the décor was richly exotic: vibrant tapestries hung from the walls, intricate carvings adorned the furniture, and the faint scent of incense lingered in the air. Seated on a plush sofa was a man clad in traditional Radovian attire, his head bent low as he meticulously examined a file.

One of the guards stepped forward with a respectful nod. “Sir, we have brought her as requested.”

The man responded with a low hum before lifting his head. His sharp, striking features and deep, contemplative eyes immediately caught Lillian’s attention. She recognized him instantly—the same man she had seen at the Morovia auction. Her voice was crisp, edged with irritation. “I don’t understand what business you have with me, but was it really necessary to bring me here in such a manner?”

“Please, leave us,” the man commanded calmly.

The guards retreated silently, closing the door behind them. A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the subtle rhythm of their breathing.

Richard’s lips curved into a faint smile as he looked at her. “Ms. Lillian, I apologize for the abruptness of this invitation. There are certain matters for which I require your assistance. Naturally, the compensation will be substantial.”

Lillian let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Is that so? Kidnapping my friends and threatening me—this is your idea of hospitality?”

Richard’s tone remained smooth and unruffled. “I regret those actions and will provide you with a full explanation in due time.”

With a mocking smile playing on her lips, Lillian sauntered over to the sofa, rested her head on one hand, and reclined lazily. “Very well. You went through all this trouble to bring me here. What exactly do you want?”

Richard chuckled softly, pouring himself a glass of wine before settling on the sofa closest to her. “Don’t mind me—I have a personal habit of drinking. I take it you don’t partake?”

“No, thank you. Let’s dispense with the pleasantries,” Lillian replied flatly, her tone signaling impatience. “I’m still a student. I have classes to attend.”

Richard remained composed, his voice calm and assured. “I’m confident you won’t let me down. Rest for today. Tomorrow, we depart for the mountains.”

Without another word, Lillian rose and exited the room. This was the first time she had been cornered so completely, and she needed solitude to gather her thoughts and steady her nerves.

No sooner had she left than an old man with a weathered, scarred face stepped out from behind a screen. His voice was raspy and filled with a dark amusement. “What a rare beauty. So young. I quite like her.”

Richard raised his wineglass and took a deliberate sip, his tone icy. “She’s still useful to me. If you sabotage my plans, we’re both finished.”

The old man chuckled darkly. “She’s just a skilled girl. You’re too cautious. If it were up to me, I’d control her directly. Why worry about whether she’ll serve you or not?”

Richard’s voice sharpened, cutting through the tension. “That won’t be necessary. Tomorrow we enter the mountains. I intend to rest now.” He stood and made his way toward his bedroom.

Alone in her own room, Lillian withdrew her spiritual senses, her eyes narrowing as she gazed thoughtfully out the window. The moonlight cast a pale glow over the village, reflecting off the water below. Her mind raced, weighing the impossible choice before her and the uncertain path that lay ahead.