Chapter 154: Identification (Ya’ll Can Unlock)
The boutique manager stood frozen for a moment, her heart pounding as she watched Celine’s guards struggle to regain control of their limbs. Their movements were sluggish, and uncoordinated, as if their bodies were still reeling from the unseen force that had rendered them helpless moments ago. But even in their disoriented state, they managed to haul Celine upright, her body trembling from a mixture of rage, humiliation, and pain.
Celine’s whimpers echoed through the boutique as she clutched her sore wrist, her pride shattered beyond repair. Her eyes darted frantically toward her guards, seeking some semblance of control, but they refused to meet her gaze. Without another word, they turned toward the exit, moving with stiff, robotic precision. It took a few seconds for Celine to realize they were already leaving—and that her phone was still missing.
The boutique manager inhaled sharply and hurried after them. "Excuse me, please wait!" she called, rushing to their side.
Celine’s guards hesitated, but she paid them no mind, instead extending the device toward Celine with a polite, impassive expression. "Your phone, Miss Carver."
Celine snatched it from her hand without a word, her grip tight, her nails pressing into the glass screen. The manager stepped back and forced a tight-lipped smile before holding the door open. As soon as they disappeared through it, she let it swing shut and released a long, shaky exhale.
It was over.
For now.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she smoothed down the front of her blouse, still feeling the weight of the tension lingering in the air.
"Ma’am? Are you alright?"
The soft, composed voice snapped her back to reality. She turned to see Ephyra watching her, a faint, knowing smile on her lips.
The manager flushed in embarrassment and quickly shook her head. "Forgive me, I’m alright," she reassured, composing herself. "That was just... unexpected."