Chapter 123

The two exchanged a few whispered words before Matthew turned back and said, "Excuse me."

Walter frowned. "I don't like the vibe I'm getting from that guy."

"Me neither," Christina said, trying to ignore the queasy feeling in her stomach. "But we're only here for a few days."

"Better safe than sorry," Walter said, standing protectively by her side, his eyes serious.

Christina nodded in agreement.

After their brief conversation, elegant music began to play, and guests started inviting their partners to dance.

As they danced, Christina couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

She glanced back and saw Matthew on the balcony, holding a glass of champagne, staring at her with a disturbingly obsessive look.

When Matthew noticed her gaze, he simply raised his glass in a mock toast.

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, Christina turned to Walter and said, "I'm tired. Can we leave?"

Walter nodded. "Sure, I'll let the host know. We can visit him in a couple of days."

Relieved, Christina and Walter made their excuses, saying they weren't feeling well and needed to rest at the hotel.

The host, a cheerful and understanding person, said, "Of course, you shouldn't stay if you're not feeling well. We'll catch up another time."

Walter smiled. "Sorry about this. We'll definitely visit soon."

"I'll be waiting," the host said, personally seeing them out.

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was dark. Walter checked his phone. "There are a few local restaurants nearby with great food. How about we change and go there for dinner?"

Christina nodded. "Sounds good. I barely ate anything at the party."

After changing out of her dress and hanging it in the closet, Christina joined Walter.

The colorful lights on Main Street made it as bright as day. The local cuisine, though not entirely to their taste, was a unique experience.

As Walter ate slowly, he said, "After we visit them tomorrow, let's catch a late flight out."

"Is it because of me?" Christina asked, feeling guilty. She didn't want to disrupt his plans.

"Not entirely. It's too cold here," Walter said with a light laugh. "Besides, we don't know anyone here. Staying longer wouldn't be much fun."

Christina knew he was considering her feelings and appreciated his kindness.

She sighed softly. "Thank you."

"Why are you always so polite with me?" Walter suddenly reached out.

Christina looked up, and they both froze. Walter awkwardly grabbed a napkin and wiped the sauce from her mouth.

"You had some sauce there."

Flustered, Christina took the napkin. "I can do it myself."

Walter took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for something.

But after a long pause, he still didn't say anything.

Curious, Christina asked, "What is it? Just say it."

Walter hesitated, then shook his head and offered her some meat from his plate. "Nothing. Just eat more."

The lighting was perfect, the atmosphere intimate. They enjoyed the moment.

After exploring the area a bit, they returned to the hotel.

At her room door, Walter suddenly said, "Hope I see you in your dreams."

Before Christina could respond, Walter had already entered his room.

She pondered his words, thinking he was just wishing her a good night, and didn't dwell on it.

Back in her room, she noticed something odd while changing. Her dress, which she had hung facing left, was now facing the other way.

She called the front desk. "Did someone enter my room while I was out?"

"No, ma'am. Housekeeping isn't scheduled for the evening," the receptionist replied confidently.

But then she heard muffled voices, as if someone was covering the phone and talking.

Impatient, Christina asked, "Is this a difficult question?"

The receptionist quickly returned. "Sorry, ma'am. We checked with housekeeping. There was a temporary cleaning tonight due to a shift change. We apologize for any inconvenience and will file a complaint if needed."

Christina, not one to hold a grudge, said, "No need. I just wanted to confirm."

After hanging up, she got ready for bed.

The wind howled outside, but the fireplace kept the room warm. The hotel, resembling an old castle, had a timeless charm.

She drifted into a restless sleep, dreaming of running through a dark forest, chased by a beast with piercing eyes.

Meanwhile, her door slowly opened.

A tall figure crept in, moving silently to her bedside, staring at her with a twisted fascination. "You're so beautiful," he whispered.

He lifted the blanket, grabbed her wrist, and inhaled her scent deeply. "You smell like roses."

His kiss on her hand felt like a slimy toad, making her shiver. The wind blew through a crack in the window, sending a chill through her.

She woke with a start, realizing it was just a dream. But as she tried to fall back asleep, she saw a shadowy figure.

Terrified, she sat up. "What are you doing here?"

She hadn't noticed anyone entering her room.

The figure stepped closer, and in the moonlight, she saw his pale face and deep eyes, like a vampire.

It was Matthew.