Seven Years a Shadow: The Stand-In's Escape novel Chapter 31

Eliza took a moment to get dressed, then called a taxi.

Half an hour later, the taxi dropped her off at Nightshade Bar.

A server led her to Benson's private room.

Once the door swung open, the cacophony of ridicule, sarcasm, and malicious laughter filled her ears.

Benson turned to look at Eliza standing in the doorway, briefly pausing with the cigarette in his hand.

Though he hated her, Eliza still held a special place in his heart.

The love they shared over the years wasn't a lie.

He just couldn't accept that Eliza deceived him, putting him in a position that nearly cost him everything.

Even when she regretted it and donated her corneas to him, he still couldn't forgive her.

As he cleared his throat, the room fell silent.

He tapped his fingers on the table. "Come here."

Eliza moved her cane toward Benson, but just as she was about to reach him, Isolde suddenly stuck out her foot, causing Eliza to trip over the coffee table.

With a loud crash, most of the drinks on the table spilled to the floor.

Eliza groaned as she tried to push herself up, but a hand pressed down on her. 

"Was that on purpose?"

Eliza instantly shook her head. "No. I just tripped."

Benson let out a mocking laugh as he yanked Eliza up from the table, "Oh, I almost forgot you're blind. Did I tell you to come here in five minutes?"

Eliza could feel Benson's anger and instinctively trembled. "Yes, you did."

"And how late are you?" he asked.

"I don't know."

Benson turned to Isolde. "You tell her how she'll be punished for being late."

Isolde picked up the strongest drink from the table. "One shot per minute."

Eliza shook her head desperately. She was severely allergic to alcohol, and drinking could send her into shock.

Benson knew this.

He took the bottle from Isolde's hand, his tone hoarse as if it came from the depths of hell. "Isolde, you said you're not satisfied. Watch closely. I've settled yesterday's score for you. Starting tomorrow, stop making fucking trouble for her, or I won't show you any mercy."

Isolde's heart raced. Benson knew that it was Eliza who put him in danger two years ago, but now, he still defended her.

"Perhaps only if Eliza is dead will the past be buried, and Benson will truly marry me," Isolde thought.

She nervously nodded. "If Benson can't bear to lose Eliza, I won't push the issue."

Suddenly feeling anxious, she called out, "Lucky?"

However, Lucky didn't respond.

On normal days, Lucky would sleep at Eliza's bedroom door, rushing in as soon as she made a sound.

Why was it so silent today?

Considering Benson's attitude toward Lucky, Eliza hurriedly tossed aside her blankets, wanting to get up and find Lucky, but her body was too weak, and she fell from the bed.

"Wow, Ms. Vance, up and out so soon? Who are you in such a rush to find?"

Eliza struggled to get to her feet, turning toward the voice. "Where did Lucky go?"

Isolde didn't answer Eliza's question. Instead, she smugly responded, "Eliza, why is your life so charmed? Even if you are blind, you still manage to capture Benson's heart. You've been asleep for three days, and Benson was worried about you the entire time. 

After a brief pause, she added, "And now that you're awake, you're looking for a dog? Do you think if Benson knew you valued a dog more than him, he'd spare the life of that beast?"

Eliza felt a jolt of fear. She frantically moved toward Isolde. "Do you know where Lucky is? Do you?"

Isolde looked at Eliza with mischief in her eyes. "Of course I know, but I don't want to tell you."

Eliza clenched her fists, her voice trembling with rage. "Where did you take him? Just give him back to me, and I'll do anything you ask."

Isolde chuckled. "Anything, huh? Perfect. I happen to have a ring that fell into the pool outside. If you help me find it, I'll tell you where that dog is."