From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96 Shadow in the Alley

Halfway down the alley, a heavy set of footsteps suddenly echoed behind her.

She thought she was imagining things and tried to ignore it.

But the rhythmic thud of feet hitting the pavement grew clearer and clearer.

The hair on her arms stood on end, and she instinctively slowed her pace to listen.

“Tap… tap… tap…”

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She was certain now-someone was definitely back there. Jade’s heart hammered against her ribs like a drum.

She forced herself to stay calm, pretending nothing was wrong as she kept moving forward.

After a few more yards, she gripped her phone, summoned every ounce of around, shining her screen into the dark.

A figure was standing there, ramrod straight, right in front of her.

courage, and

spun

Dressed in all black with a mask obscuring his face, he was tall and undeniably male.

Jade’s knees went weak instantly. Even caught in the light, the figure didn’t flinch; instead, he started walking toward her.

“Ah!”

Jade let out a short, jagged scream.

Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold ground.

As the shadow loomed over her, Jade shook with pure terror, scrambling backward on rubbery limbs.

Just as he reached her, reaching out as if to grab her, adrenaline surged through her. She slammed her palms down, sprang up, and bolted for her life.

She sprinted all the way to the building lobby, hammered the elevator button, and only felt alive again once the doors slid shut.

“Huff… huff…”

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9:21 Fri, Mar 27

Chapter 96 Shadow in the Alley

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The elevator was filled with the sound of her frantic gasping. She had run so hard that every breath scorched her throat and chest.

Leaning against the metal doors, she fumbled with her phone before her breathing even settled and dialed the police.

“Hello? Is this the police department?

“I’m being stalked at the Sycamore Road complex. Please, send someone immediately!”

The police arrived quickly and summoned property management to pull the footage while Jade provided every detail she could.

But there was a major problem with the electrical grid in that section of the alley.

Not only were the streetlights dead, but the security cameras were offline as well.

Without a visual of the suspect, there was no way to identify him or his intent.

Since Jade hadn’t sustained any physical harm, the police couldn’t open a formal case. They told her to stay alert and call again if he reappeared.

Jade turned on the property manager, demanding they fix the lights and cameras immediately or she would file a formal safety complaint with the authorities.

The manager bowed repeatedly, apologizing profusely for the lapse in security.

“We are incredibly sorry, Ms. Merchant. We will have a specialist here tomorrow to restore the surveillance system, I promise.”

Jade finally returned to her apartment, feeling utterly hollowed out by exhaustion.

She showered and changed into pajamas, but every time she closed her eyes, the dark alley flashed in her mind.

Was the man in black stalking her, or had he been lying in wait for her specifically?

Regardless, his intent was clearly malicious.

Who was he? And what did he want with her?

The more she thought, the more her anxiety spiraled. In her mind, the man became a monster waiting to devour her.

“Whew-”

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9:21 Fri, Mar 27

Chapter 96 Shadow in the Alley

000

Jade snapped her eyes open, clutching her chest as she sat up in bed, gasping for air.

Her palms were slick with cold sweat, and her back was damp against the sheets.

Ding-dong… ding-dong…

Her phone began to chime on the nightstand.

Jade glanced over to see a video call request from Jewell.

She answered, and Jewell’s bright, energetic smile filled the screen instantly.

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