Lana refrained from complicating matters for the bank manager; nonetheless, the seething rage simmering within her was palpable to Mr. Crow.
Upon returning to the car with the bag, Lana beamed a bright smile. "We can depart now."
Although the driver had not witnessed the events unfold, his acute hearing allowed him to piece together the unspoken narrative. His expression remained inscrutable, concealing the thoughts racing through his mind.
Before long, they arrived at an upscale neighborhood known as Greenwoods.
The residents of this area were predominantly the elite in their respective fields, leaving Lana perplexed as to why a mission would even be assigned at Shadowridge University.
Financial constraints were a non-issue for the affluent inhabitants of Greenwoods.
As they approached the opulent mansion, Lana maintained a stoic demeanor.
After presenting her university ID at the security checkpoint, she entered the mansion grounds with Mr. Crow perched on her shoulder.
Surveying the mansion, Lana noted the absence of any ominous black fog, nor did she experience any unsettling visions.
At the entrance, a maid appeared and graciously guided her inside.
As they walked, Lana became aware that certain objects within the mansion were indeed exuding a sinister black fog.
"Scan for any ghostly presence," Lana commanded Mr. Crow, who obediently closed his beady eyes.
Five minutes later, he responded in a resonant voice, "I have detected a ghostly presence in the living room."
Lana’s body tensed as the maid led her slowly toward the living room.
The mansion was adorned in a color scheme of red, white, green, and blue. Along the way, Lana’s gaze was drawn to numerous paintings and antiques displayed with care.
To the left of the living room stood a plush sofa set with a coffee table facing the television, while a dining table occupied the right side.
An elegant woman reclined on the sofa, clad in an ivory silk dress with a sapphire brooch delicately pinned near her collarbone.
Her posture was impeccable, exuding both grace and authority, and her calm eyes scrutinized Lana with an unsettling intensity.
"Miss Lana, I presume?" The woman initiated, her voice a harmonious blend of gentleness and command.
Yet, Lana’s focus was not on the woman; instead, her gaze was fixed on a corner of the living room, her expression betraying her unease.
The woman followed her line of sight, and, upon noticing Lana’s fixation on the exquisite doll her husband had brought from abroad, she chuckled softly.
’Girls... they never outgrow their love for dolls.’
"If you fancy, you may take the doll with you." The woman’s melodic voice resonated like a haunting lullaby, causing Lana to stiffen.
"Eh? Y... you must be Miss Shelly Brown." Lana cleared her throat, striving to mask her apprehension with a neutral expression. Shelly detected the unusual tension and concern that washed over her.
"Are you alright, Miss Lana? You seem rather tense..."
Lana interjected firmly, her voice unwavering, her eyes darting back to the doll, "Miss Shelly, we need to converse in your room. It’s a matter of utmost importance."
Shelly froze, comprehension dawning on her, and a flicker of pity crossed her features.
’Ah, so it’s that time of the month for her! No wonder she appears so pale.’
"Of course." Shelly offered a warm smile.
Although she was the one issuing the mission, and Lana should have ideally addressed her concerns prior to arriving at her mansion, Shelly assumed that perhaps Lana was experiencing discomfort on her way.
As Shelly led Lana to her room, she noticed Lana glancing back repeatedly, as if to ensure they were not being followed.
The echo of their footsteps reverberated in the hushed silence, tightening Shelly’s heart with an unexplainable dread.
Once inside her room, Shelly began, "So, what is it that you wanted to discuss..."
She halted mid-sentence as she observed Lana closing the door, a wave of fear crashing over her.
’Please don’t tell me... she’s an enemy of my husband and has come to eliminate me...’
Her legs quivered, but her mind raced, and she swiftly dialed her housekeeper’s number.
As the call connected, a glimmer of hope sparked in Shelly’s eyes, but before she could bring the phone to her ear,
"Miss Shelly, the doll is possessed!"
Lana’s urgent voice pierced through the air, momentarily distracting Shelly from the call, prompting her to ask in astonishment, "What?"
Lana trembled, recalling the horrifying vision.
Upon entering the mansion, her eyes had scanned the living room and fixated on the dining table. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novelꞁire.net
What had she witnessed?
A girl with bulging eyes and blood cascading from her eye sockets, an unsettling grin stretched across her face, as she swung her legs nonchalantly.
The most chilling aspect? She was incessantly chanting something.
Her entire focus was directed at Shelly, and Lana observed firsthand how the oppressive black fog in the atmosphere thickened with each passing second.
Even Lana struggled to breathe; thus, she urged Shelly to relocate to another room before the spirit could react.
Now, standing in the bedroom, Lana’s heart raced, yet her voice remained composed. "Miss Shelly, please tell me, when did your husband bring that doll into your home?"
Shelly blinked, still paralyzed by disbelief.
"About six months ago... from his business trip. It was intended as a gift for our son, but he never took to it. So, I placed it in the living room for decoration."
Lana regarded her grimly before turning back to Shelly.
"Has anyone in the household been experiencing... unusual occurrences lately? Nightmares, dizziness, or an inclination to harm themselves?"
Shelly’s complexion drained of color.
"Yes! My son has been conversing with someone at night. He mentioned ’the girl in the blue dress’ visits him while we sleep. And last week..." Her voice faltered. "Last week, he attempted to leap off the balcony."
Lana’s expression darkened. "The spirit of the doll is formidable. It must have latched onto your family. If we do not act swiftly, it will drain his life force."
Before Shelly could reply, the lights flickered violently. A sudden chill swept through the room, flinging the window open with a crash.
"Smart... smart sister..." A voice rasped, echoing ominously.