Hearing the commotion outside, Qiao Hua put down her book in confusion and walked over to the window.
Flames reflected in the glass. A fierce fire blazed in the backyard nearby, sending black smoke straight into the sky, where it merged with the darkness.
The bodyguards in the Manor rushed over to fight the fire. The scene descended into chaos, with some using extinguishers and others using water.
Qiao Hua's eyelid twitched. She was just about to go downstairs to see what was happening when she suddenly heard footsteps in the hallway.
The footsteps seemed deliberately light as they slowly approached her room.
Thinking one of the bodyguards had come upstairs, Qiao Hua was about to ask what was going on when the door suddenly opened from outside, revealing a tall figure.
When she saw who it was, Qiao Hua froze in place. Her heart seemed to lose its rhythm, pounding wildly in her chest.
Qiao Hua's stunned expression was reflected in Zhou Qiwen's cold eyes. A sinister smile curved his lips. "Long time no see."
Qiao Hua's eyes widened slightly, and her lips parted. "H-how did you get up here?"
At the sight of Zhou Qiwen's malicious smile, Qiao Hua seemed to realize something. Her brows drew together, and her breathing quickened. "Did you start the fire?"
Zhou Qiwen looked out the window at his handiwork, his smile vicious. "How else was I supposed to get those people out of the way?"
An ominous feeling crept over Qiao Hua. She instinctively backed away, then turned toward the window to call for help. A pair of hands reached out from behind her, covering her mouth just as she was about to cry out.
"Mmph-"
A handkerchief covered her mouth and nose, cutting off her breath. A pungent smell engulfed her,