Chapter 121. Beautiful Gown
Maria stepped back slowly, her eyes still fixed on the neatly wrapped parcel lying on her bed. Her thoughts raced, tangled between curiosity and unease.
Only Mr. Frederick ever sends anything to this room... and only when I’m not around. But since I’ve had this phone with me, he hasn’t sent anyone. Why now? Her brows furrowed as she tried to connect the dots.
She stood still for a moment, hesitant to move closer to the parcel. A wave of caution washed over her.
"I can’t touch it yet... I need to be sure this came from him," she muttered to herself, before walking carefully to the side of the bed where her phone was tucked under her pillow.
Just as her fingers reached for the phone, the screen lit up. The phone began to ring, startling her. Her heart jumped. She looked at the caller ID.
Mr. Frederick.
Without hesitation, she answered the call, lifting the phone quickly to her ear. She didn’t even have the chance to speak before his calm voice came through.
"Good morning, Maria. I sent the package to you."
Her eyes widened slightly. She had been right—it was from him. But the confirmation only deepened her curiosity.
"Sir, what’s in the package? Why would you send me something without letting me know first?" she asked, her voice filled with both confusion and concern.
"I sent it for your protection," Mr. Frederick answered gently. "It’s a symbol. My men will recognize it. They’ll know who you are and that you’re the one who must be protected at all costs."