30

An hour later, the car Deric and Caraline were traveling in pulled up to a villa on the beach. The place directly overlooked the blue sea. From where they were, the waves could be heard quite clearly.

" I'll learn a lot of things after returning from this place," Deric said while observing the scenery outside from the car window.

Caraline let out a long breath, closing her eyes for a few moments. Her hands were clasped in front of her chest, trying to stabilize her heartbeat. "Listen to me."

Deric instantly turned his head, and at the same time, Caraline buried her face into his interlocking fingers.

"I hate to say it, but you must cooperate with me in this event. I will push your wheelchair when we both enter the meeting room. Do not speak until I permit you. And whatever words you hear from the people in the room about you, you must not respond to them with your nonsense. Do you understand?"

"You look scared."

"Do you understand?" repeated Caraline in a raised tone.

"Alrigh