Chapter 23 " The man grabbed Miss Sullivan and claimed she had worked in a hostel , " James added , fearing Liam didn't understand , " And not a very clean one . " The car was comfortably arranged by James . This particular vehicle was specifically used for driving Harper around . A cushion was placed behind the passenger seat , ensuring that she would never feel tired no matter how long she sat . James drove very smoothly , and being by his side always made Harper feel more at case . She clutched her knees , her body not fully relaxed , and asked nervously , " Where are we going ? " James was a true gentleman , always respectful and gentle in his dealings with her . His voice was soft and calm , " We'll be there soon . Following James into Frehowi House , which was as new to Harper as the resort villa , it was built in the past two years . The middle section was a Japanese - style hotel , and the upper floors housed the accompanying hot spring rooms . To find out how many wounds she had on her body , this was the only way . Standing at the entrance , a faint wisp of warm air greeted them , carrying the natural fragrance through the misty vapor . Harper's discomfort was written all over her face . She didn't take the key James offered , " Can we not go in and soak ? I'm not feeling very well . " James could think of this , and so could Harper . 12.00 Chapter 2 17 " I won't go in with you . I'll be in the next room . There's no need to be embarrassed , " James smiled gently , which made Harper let out a sigh of relief , " Mr. Walker was worried that you've been too tired lately , so he specially asked me to bring you here . " With just a few simple words , Harper's concerns dissipated . Even though she still felt a bit reluctant , there was no need to refuse . She took the key and entered the women's locker room to change out of her clothes . The hot spring pool was shrouded in thick mist , obscuring the view . Stepping into the water on the warm stone steps , the water was at a comfortable temperature , and the enveloping steam indeed helped to relax a bit . But before she could close her eyes , the water rippled as if someone was slowly walking over and sinking into the water , but their face was still visible . " Harper ? " The woman's voice was a mix of surprise and delight . Harper opened her eyes at the sound , and what she saw was a pure yet bright face , flushed by the steam from the pool . Her hair was neatly coiled on her head , revealing a slender and graceful neck . She exuded an air of delicacy . " Is it really you ? " Harper instinctively wanted to escape . Facing an old acquaintance from the past , she knew her current state would only invite ridicule . But in this . place , there was nowhere to run , " Isabella . " Isabella beamed with joy , " You really came back . Mason told me , but I couldn't believe it . " " Uh - huh . " She lowered her head in silence , letting the steam from the water wash over her face . The heat made her bones feel restless , and she instinctively wanted to escape . " I'm going upstairs first . " Chapter 23 " No , don't . " Isabella grabbed her arm , " Did you come alone ? Let's have dinner together . Mason is here too , though he'll be a bit late as usual , you know he's always busy . " Harper wanted to leave , but her arm was held tightly . " Excuse me , I really need to go upstairs . " She pushed Isabella's hand away and started to climb the steps . Isabella followed behind , and together they walked upstairs . Harper hurried toward the locker room . Water droplets fell from her legs , making the floor slippery . As soon as she entered the locker room , a force from behind knocked her straight down . " Harper- " Isabella called out from behind , feigning concern as she reached out to help , " Are you okay ? Are you hurt ? " Harper's knee hit the ground , turning red . " I'm fine . " She took her clothes and went into a cubicle to change . Isabella stood outside and talked to her , " You fell so hard , are you really okay ? " 12