Chapter 1019

Naomi never looked back. She knew Charles was still watching her. She walked steadily to the innermost building, entering the dimly lit stairwell and climbing the steps. She carefully watched her steps, her mind replaying Charles's words from earlier at the restaurant. She had gone over them countless times, memorizing them as if they were a text to be recited, with no room for error. The empty stairwell was utterly silent, being away from the city's noise and bustle. The only sound was her footsteps echoing in the stairwell. The fifth floor was not very high. It only took less than a hundred steps, which was easily manageable for a young person. However, Naomi decided to take her time, much slower than usual, lost in thought. Gradually, she stopped, pausing on the third-floor landing. She looked at the dim light that kept the stairwell from being engulfed in darkness, ensuring the steps were visible and preventing her from tripping. From her position, she could see the fou