The Bait
“Arielle, actually” Right when Jason was about to confess his feelings, Arielle broke free from his grasp
and interrupted his speech.
“Thank you for speaking up for me, Jason. However, things are not as they seemed to be. There’re
some misunderstandings here. I’m very grateful for your help, but you can leave now.”
With that, she turned around and was heading back inside.
At that precise moment, she saw a familiar figure standing across the street from the corners of her
eyes. Isn’t that…
Suddenly, her memories of what happened on the cruise came surging back. That’s the man! Could it
be? The man who has been trying to assassinate Vinson is the man I’ve met on the cruise?
Seeing that, Arielle abruptly stopped in her tracks. The plan is ongoing, and he’s right in front of me! I
can’t deviate from the plan now!
Arielle gritted her teeth and pretended like she didn’t notice that man. She turned toward Jason and
said, “I’m in a bad mood, and I’d like to go for a walk. Do you have somewhere in mind?”
Jason was over the moon upon hearing that. “Yes! I’ll take you there!” he answered hastily.
“Okay, then. Thank you.” Arielle nodded before following Jason into a taxi.
After getting into the car, Arielle immediately turned back and looked across the street.
Indeed, she saw the man getting into a car as well before tailing them.
“What are you looking at?” Jason couldn’t help but keep looking at the back.
As Jason was about to roll down the window and put his head out to have a better look, Arielle instantly
pinned his hand down. “Don’t open it!”
“What’s wrong?” Jason was utterly confused. He then gazed toward Arielle’s hand, which was pressing
against his.
It’s so cooling and comforting. He had the urge to hold her hand instead after seeing how slender and
fair it was.
Right when Jason was about to act on his urge, Arielle retracted her hand.
“I’m sorry.” Arielle flashed an apologetic smile and continued, “Could you please not open the window?
I’m afraid of the cold wind.”
“Oh, all right.” Jason nodded before giving the chauffeur the address of their destination.
About an hour later, the car stopped at an old church in the suburbs.
Both of them got out of the car. Arielle was a little surprised when she asked, “Are you a religious
person?”
Jason shrugged. “What’s wrong? Do I look like I’m not?”
“Well…” Arielle nodded and answered truthfully, “You don’t look like one.”
In response, Jason smiled wryly. “That’s because I’m not.”
While he was saying that, he waved her over. “Come. Let’s go inside.”
Arielle raised her gaze and sized up the church. Obviously, this church had been abandoned for quite a
while. Did he bring me here to pray? It’s a nice place to clear one’s head though.
After that, the two of them made their way toward the hall. Instead of stopping, Jason brought her
toward the back door of the church. They walked through the door and arrived at the backyard.
Arielle was very surprised when she saw a bunch of kids living there.
When they walked in, the kids were singing while sitting around a bonfire. “Twinkle, twinkle, little
stars…”
With a glance, Arielle noticed that the kids there were either physically or mentally challenged.
Besides, there were a few bionic arms.
“What is” Arielle was about to ask something.
“This place has become an orphanage quite some time ago.” Jason smiled, although he was having
mixed emotions.
“You might not know this, but this is actually where I grew up. I was abandoned when I was just a few
months old, and Father Moses took me in. I’d always come here every time I face difficulties at work.”
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