Chapter 16: A Trap for Serenity

The rain poured heavily over Wiltspoon the next morning.

Dark clouds covered the city as Serenity unlocked the bookstore.

Despite yesterday's events, she greeted every customer with the same warm smile.

"Morning," Jasmine said, carrying two cups of coffee.

"You actually came to work after everything?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Serenity replied.

"Running away only gives rumors more power."

Jasmine smiled proudly.

"You're stronger than most people I know."

Around noon, a well-dressed woman entered the bookstore.

She appeared to be in her early sixties and carried herself with elegance.

"Excuse me," she said politely.

"Are you Mrs. Serenity York?"

"Yes," Serenity answered.

"How may I help you?"

"I'm hosting a charity reading program for underprivileged children tomorrow."

"I've heard wonderful things about your bookstore."

"Would you be willing to donate a few books and attend the event?"

Serenity's eyes brightened.

"I'd be honored."

"Wonderful," the woman smiled.

"I'll send a driver to pick you up tomorrow afternoon."

After she left, Jasmine looked suspicious.

"Something feels strange."

"Why?"

"I don't know... maybe because everything has been too peaceful today."

"Not everyone has bad intentions," Serenity replied with a gentle laugh.

"I hope you're right."

Meanwhile...

Inside York Corporation.

Ben hurried into Zachary's office carrying a folder.

"Sir."

"We've identified who funded the false rumors."

"Victoria Lang?" Zachary asked.

"Indirectly."

"She used a public relations company to avoid leaving evidence."

"However..."

"We've also intercepted another message."

"They're planning something tomorrow."

Zachary immediately looked up.

"Against Serenity?"

"Most likely."

"Increase security."

"Have two teams follow her discreetly."

"No matter what happens..."

"She must remain safe."

"Understood."

The following afternoon...

A luxury van arrived outside the bookstore.

The same elegant woman stepped out.

"Mrs. York," she smiled.

"Everything is ready."

"Thank you for coming."

Serenity loaded several boxes of children's books into the vehicle.

"I'll only be gone for a few hours," she told Jasmine.

"Call me if anything happens."

"Be careful," Jasmine replied.

The van drove toward the outskirts of Wiltspoon.

After nearly thirty minutes, Serenity noticed something.

"Excuse me..."

"Isn't the city center in the opposite direction?"

The driver's expression remained blank.

"There's been a venue change."

"We'll arrive soon."

Serenity glanced out the window.

The roads had become increasingly isolated.

Her instincts began warning her that something was wrong.

"Could I call the organizer?" she asked politely.

"There's no signal out here," the driver answered.

At that exact moment...

Two black SUVs quietly followed the van from a distance.

Inside one of them, a security officer spoke into his radio.

"Target vehicle has left the planned route."

"Requesting instructions."

Back at York Corporation...

Ben received the alert.

"Sir... Mrs. York's vehicle has changed direction."

"It's heading toward an abandoned industrial district."

Zachary stood instantly.

"Prepare my car."

"I'm going myself."

"Sir, it's dangerous—"

"I said prepare the car."

"Yes, Mr. York."

Minutes later...

A black Rolls-Royce sped through the rain-soaked streets.

For the first time in years...

The calm and composed billionaire CEO looked genuinely afraid.

His only thought echoed in his mind.

"Please be safe, Serenity."

Unaware that danger was closing in...

Serenity quietly reached into her handbag.

She found her phone.

One bar of signal appeared for just a second.

Quickly, she typed a single message.

"Zachary... something feels wrong."

Before she could send another word...

The signal disappeared.

The van turned through the rusted gates of an abandoned warehouse.

The doors slowly closed behind it.

And Serenity realized...

She had walked straight into a carefully planned trap.