Chapter 392

Ruby’s Fabricated Fright

The two made their way slowly up the staircase, chatting in low, affectionate tones.

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Naomi, hearing voices in the hallway, quietly cracked open her bedroom door. Peering out at the scene, a sharp pang of jealousy shot through her.

“Arabella, Ruby was right–you really do know how to charm people,” Naomi muttered under her breath, her expression darkening.

Suddenly, a phone began to ring. Both Florence and Arabella turned toward the sound coming from Naomi’s room.

“Naomi, you’re still awake? Is everything alright?” Florence asked softly.

Naomi had no choice but to open her door fully. “I just ran out of water. I was about to head downstairs for some more.”

“Oh, of course, go ahead,” Florence replied, not giving it a second thought.

But from her angle, Arabella could clearly see a nearly full glass of water sitting on Naomi’s nightstand.

Naomi was just pretending to head for the stairs when Florence spoke again. “Naomi, isn’t that your phone? Aren’t you going to get it?”

“It’s Ruby,” Naomi said, finally giving in and answering the incessantly ringing call.

The moment she answered, Ruby’s panicked, tearful voice spilled out. “Naomi, can you please come over? I’m really scared!”

“What’s wrong?” Naomi asked, concern coloring her tone.

Ruby sounded utterly frantic. “I don’t know! There are all these weird noises in my house, but I can’t find where they’re coming from!”

“What about the housekeeper or the staff? Have them check it out for you,” Naomi suggested practically.

Ruby whined, her voice trembling. “They already did! Every time they come up, the noises stop. The second they leave, it starts again. I’m seriously terrified–I haven’t slept properly in days. Naomi, please, can you just come stay with me tonight?”

Hearing the genuine fear in Ruby’s plea, Naomi agreed. “Alright, alright. I’ll come over and see what’s going on.”

She wasn’t sure what was happening, but Ruby’s distress sounded very real.

After hanging up, Naomi turned back to Florence. “Mom, I’m going to go check on Ruby, I’ll probably stay over there tonight.”

“Is she okay?” Florence asked. Though she hadn’t caught the specifics, the urgency in Ruby’s voice had been clear even from a distance.

“She says she hasn’t been sleeping. I’ll just go keep her company for a while,” Naomi explained.

Florence nodded, reassured. “Oh, I see. Well, go ahead. It’s late, so drive carefully.”

“I will, Mom. I’m heading out now,” Naomi said, quickly making her way downstairs.

“Arabella, it really is late. You should get some rest too,” Florence said, turning back to her daughter.

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Chapter 392 Ruby’s Fabricated Fright

“Okay, Mom. You get a good night’s sleep as well,” Arabella replied with a nod.

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After they each retreated to their rooms, Arabella sat on the edge of her bed, a faint, knowing smile touching the corner of her lips.

She opened her laptop, switched to her specialized interface, and began meticulously adjusting the parameters of a certain

program…

Naomi arrived to find Ruby practically clinging to her, visibly shaken and pale.

“Ruby, what in the world is going on?” Naomi asked gently, leading her to sit down.

“I don’t know! Every time I try to sleep, there are these… these creepy noises in my room. But when I turn on the light and look, there’s nothing there. Then the second I try to lie down again, they start up…” Ruby explained, her voice cracking under the strain of the cycle.

Naomi frowned. “And when the housekeeper checked, she didn’t find anything either?”

“Nothing,” Ruby confirmed miserably. “They even made me some of that sleepy–time herbal soup.”

“Well, why don’t you drink it, then?” Naomi asked, confused by the look of betrayal on Ruby’s face.

“Naomi, you think I’m imagining it too?” Ruby’s eyes welled up with fresh tears.

“Think what?” Naomi was now thoroughly puzzled.

“They all think it’s just stress or that I’m hearing things–that’s why they gave me the soup!” Ruby grumbled, frustration mixing with her fear. “Naomi, you have to believe me, I’m not making this up! The sounds are real!”

Finally understanding, Naomi clarified, “That’s not what I meant at all. I just thought since you’re so exhausted from not sleeping, the soup might help you relax and get some real rest. I don’t think you’re imagining things.”

“Really?” Ruby asked, her eyes searching Naomi’s for sincerity. Was there actually someone who believed her?

“Really.” Naomi nodded firmly. “I’m here, aren’t I? That should tell you I believe you. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.

“You’ve probably just been under a lot of pressure and aren’t sleeping well, which can make you more aware of every little sound. Drink the soup, try to get some proper sleep, and I’ll be right here with you tonight. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Naomi reassured her in a steady voice,

Ruby’s eyes instantly flooded with grateful tears. “Naomi, you’re the best. You’re the only person who’s ever been truly kind to me like this.”

“Don’t talk like that. We’re family. And your parents love you–they’re just incredibly busy and can’t always be here,” Naomi said soothingly, handing Ruby the bowl of warm soup. “Here, drink this.”

“Okay,” Ruby replied softly, taking the mug and sipping the herbal blend.

“It’s very late. Let’s try to sleep,” Naomi said, walking toward her overnight bag. “I’m just going to change into my pajamas.”

Ruby cast another nervous glance around the dimly lit room. “I’ll wait for you.”

Seeing her genuine fear, Naomi agreed. “Alright, I’ll be quick.”

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Chapter 392 Ruby’s Fabricated Fright

044

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Naomi grabbed her sleepwear and ducked into the adjacent bathroom to change. She emerged a minute later and slid into the bed beside Ruby.

“Ruby, try to get some deep rest. You really don’t look well–it must be from all these sleepless nights,” Naomi said gently, smoothing the covers.