The phone quickly connected, and Winifred Dawson got straight to the point: “The important information is on my phone, I’ll send it to you right away. Leland Burns went to Fig Town, ostensibly for business, but in reality, he’s transporting a crucial shipment. That shipment can be tampered with.”
A man’s voice came through, “So fast?”
Fast? She felt it was already too slow. Winifred Dawson didn’t want to wait another second; she wanted to get rid of Leland Burns as soon as possible. But some things couldn’t be rushed; they had to proceed step by step according to the plan.
Leland Burns was a meticulous person. To deal with him, Winifred Dawson had to be extremely careful and couldn’t afford a single mistake. One wrong move could lead to a series of errors in this life-and-death struggle. It was either Leland Burns or her.
For every step Leland Burns took, she had to take one too and think three steps ahead, always leaving herself an escape route.
Thinking about how Leland Burns had forcibly taken her for egg retrieval made her abdomen twist in pain. She touched her stomach and replied, “I’m ready on my end. You should prepare to act.”
“This is just like the cooperation we initially discussed. But Winifred Dawson, how will I know where that shipment is? By the time I find out, Leland Burns might already be back.”
“I have Leland Burns’ location; he should be following that shipment closely. I’ll send it to your phone shortly.”
“Impressive, I didn’t expect you to get his location.”
The location was an accident. Winifred Dawson hadn’t expected Leland Burns to wear the watch that revealed his movements to her.
Winifred Dawson knew the general route of the shipment but having the exact location was much more convenient.
“Alright, send it over. I’ll act immediately.” The man’s voice was grim, and it wasn’t hard to detect the malice in his tone. Winifred Dawson wasn’t the only one who wanted Leland Burns dead.
Leland Burns had been too prominent in recent years, blocking many people’s paths and making enemies due to his arrogance.
Just as Winifred Dawson was about to hang up, the man spoke again: “It’s a good thing nothing happened between us before. They say beautiful things can be dangerous, and now I believe it. A delicate flower turning into a thorny rose can easily take a life. Once this job is done successfully, let’s collaborate on something else.”
Winifred Dawson’s eyes were cold: “We’ll talk about future matters later.”
“Alright, but let me ask you one more thing. You and Leland Burns grew up together and have been together for so long. Do you really have no feelings for him?”
Feelings? Winifred Dawson’s heart clenched painfully. Even she didn’t know why there was a sudden ache in her chest.
There was a deep-seated hatred between her and Leland Burns. Years ago, she had let his mother die without helping her, and later he tricked her into accidentally killing her own father.
He treated her like a toy, locked her up, wanted to marry her and have children with her. He destroyed her pride, so she wanted his life in return.
Seeing she didn’t respond, the man on the phone continued talking to himself: “What am I saying? If you had feelings for him, you wouldn’t be pushing him towards death…”
Without waiting for him to finish his sentence, Winifred Dawson hung up the phone. She quietly left the study and returned to the bedroom. The map on the tablet was still open; the red dot remained motionless. At this hour, Leland Burns should be asleep. Sleep well; it’s one of your few peaceful nights left.
Winifred Dawson handed over all the information and location details to that person. After completing these tasks, she felt like her body had lost its bones and collapsed onto the bed, staring at the dark night outside.
In April nights, stars dotted the sky; some people slept soundly while others stayed awake all night.
…
Ten days had passed since the egg retrieval procedure, yet Winifred Dawson’s lower abdomen still occasionally hurt, sometimes leaving bloodstains on her underwear. The doctor had checked once and said it was normal-no need for excessive worry; just rest well and maintain a good diet. After hearing these words repeatedly during numerous visits, Winifred could recite them by heart.
Though painful at times, there were no major issues like abdominal fluid buildup.
On the 12th, three days before their so-called wedding day with Leland Burns-who claimed he would return by the 13th-Winifred thought he probably wouldn’t make it back.
On the 12th from morning till nightfall, Leland didn’t call Winifred once.
Holding a tablet showing a red dot zigzagging as if fleeing for its life made Winifred wonder if Leland used to stare at maps tracking her movements when she wore that watch?
On the 13th came three sets of wedding dresses: an exit outfit-a traditional Chinese red phoenix coronet robe; a white gown for ceremonies; and a red fishtail dress for banquets.
All tailored perfectly according to measurements-the luxurious red robe exuded nobility while radiant white gowns dazzled beautifully; seductive fishtail dresses showcased different facets of beauty within Winifred.
Though stunningly adorned in two wedding outfits-the weightiness felt uncomfortable especially under heavy headpieces crafted from precious metals weighing several pounds pressing down heavily upon necks almost breaking them apart!
After trying out traditional attire stylists switched over bridal gowns requiring assistance lifting five-meter-long trains reminiscent earlier photo shoots albeit grander more exquisite designs rendering breathtaking appearances capturing everyone’s breathless admiration including women themselves!
Simpler headpieces accompanied bridal gowns whereas banquet dresses designed practically considering extensive walking/drinking movements highlighting curves revealing calves subtly enhanced by jewelry pieces featuring million-dollar ruby necklaces completing elegant ensembles!
While changing outfits stylists constantly praised mentioning how thrilled Mr. Burns would be upon seeing Miss. Dawson looking splendidly beautiful!
“He’ll surely feel ecstatic seeing you dressed up marrying him!”
“Will he truly feel happy?”
“Absolutely! He loves you dearly-seeing you in bridal attire marrying him would make him overjoyed! Just two days left till wedding-nervous?”
Winifred pondered momentarily before nodding slightly then shaking head: “A bit nervous… worried about handling Leland effectively.”
“Nerves before weddings are normal-relax look at mirror see how gorgeous avoid frowning stay cheerful awaiting Mr. Burns’ return.”