I Reincarnated to Another World as a Woman-Chapter 134: Summons and Power
"Wait!" Maeve calls after Theo, but the door closes before he can turn back.
"Why?" Arthur asks immediately. "What’s wrong? What did you see?"
He doesn’t miss how stiff Maeve suddenly looks.
"Huh? What? Ah—no." Maeve flusters.
She clears her throat, forcing her expression to settle.
"I mean... we haven’t really finished talking. I was just shaking her hand and didn’t get the chance to ask anything before she left."
She blinks several times, trying to blink away the awkwardness.
Wait. What did I see?
Was that really—?
Holy Mother of God... how is that possible?!
Maeve’s thoughts spiral instantly, processing at terrifying speed. Her mind churns, connections snapping together faster than she can stop them.
If Thea is really Theo... then how can Thea be Theo?
Wait. What?!
Her stomach twists.
No.
It can’t be.
It really can’t be.
Maeve swallows hard, suddenly dizzy.
Is this what youngsters mean when they say their brain isn’t braining?
I need rest.
Stop thinking, Maeve. Just stop.
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"Baroness Voss asks to see me? Here in the hospital?" Theo’s head tilts slightly, his expression clearly taken aback.
"Yes, Ms. Montrose. The Baroness is waiting in the Waiting Lounge at the lobby."
Theo frowns. Why would the Baroness need to see me? And here, of all places?
Still, curiosity wins. I’ll just go and find out what she wants.
"Okay. Lead the way," Theo says to the nervous nurse.
She visibly relaxes and immediately leads Theo away.
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Arthur looks away from his phone, frowning. Thea has just texted him saying that the Baroness is here to see her, and he doesn’t like it one bit.
He swings his legs off the bed and walks to the house phone.
The others had been chatting quietly, but they all fall silent when they notice Arthur getting up.
"Hi, yes. This is Arthur Montrose. I’d like to speak to Dr. Montgomery, please."
He listens to the other end for a few seconds.
"Well, honestly, I don’t really care if he’s in surgery. I just want to inform him that I’m checking out of the hospital now. He can send the hospital bills to me. Never mind, I’ll send someone to handle it. Just tell him I’m checking out."
He hangs up before the other person can respond.
Turning back to the room, he addresses everyone calmly.
"Father, Mother, Aunt Miranda, Claudia, everyone. As you just heard, I’m checking out. I feel fine. I have no injuries. I was just exhausted. I slept for two days, and now I’m fine."
He looks directly at Leila. "I’ll see you at dinner tonight at the estate, Mother. You too, Father."
He starts toward the door, but Liam jumps out of his bed, followed immediately by Julian and Maeve.
"Hey! You can’t just leave like that. Wait for us!" Liam protests.
"Yeah, Art. We’re a unit now," Julian grins.
"I know I just met all of you," Maeve adds, "but I’d like to think I’m part of the team too."
Arthur stops and turns back to them.
"I appreciate that. And I do consider all of you part of my team. I am the Class President, remember?" He exhales lightly.
"But I’m leaving because Thea just texted me. Baroness Maristella Voss summoned her. I want to know what her deal is. And honestly, I think it’s time I meet this Baroness myself. I’ve never met her before."
"Well, now I really want to go," Liam says immediately. "I’ve never met real royalty before."
Julian and Maeve nod in agreement.
Arthur sighs, then smiles. "Fine. Then let’s all go meet this esteemed Baroness Voss of Valestria."
With that, the newly formed Magic Squad leaves the room, leaving the parents blinking in confusion.
"What was that?" Miranda asks, stunned.
"I’m not sure," Leila replies slowly. "But it looks like they’re going after Thea."
She straightens up. "Arthur said he’ll see me at dinner. I should go home and prepare. You should come too, Mir. You as well, Claudia."
"Thank you for the invitation, Lei. Truly," Miranda says warmly. "But I need to return to Solarys. I’ve left Linus alone long enough. He’d never complain, but I shouldn’t push my luck."
She smiles knowingly. "I also heard Liam is planning to return to Solarys soon. I thought about waiting for him, but knowing him, he won’t be going alone. So I’ll head back first and prepare."
"I understand completely," Leila says. "Thank you for coming to support me."
The two women exchange kisses, and soon all four of them leave the room.
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Baroness Maristella Voss sits in the Waiting Lounge with perfect posture, her back ramrod straight, legs crossed with practiced elegance.
She has been sitting like that for almost fifteen minutes.
Ryan, seated nearby, is anything but composed. He fidgets constantly, shifting in his seat, glancing around. He wants to be as far away from the Baroness as possible.
She scares him.
"Young Blackwood, you do not need to accompany me. I am perfectly capable of doing this on my own." The Baroness’ cold, sharp voice cuts through the air.
Ryan straightens his sitting posture. "I want to be here, Your Ladyship. Please allow me the honor of accompanying you."
The Baroness looks straight into Ryan’s eyes.
"I know you are doing this in the hope that you will not need to return my investment money. That is fine. I understand."
She pauses.
"You are trying to stay in my good graces. I appreciate that. However, if you wish to accompany me, then do it properly. Do not embarrass me."
Her warning is unmistakable.
Ryan swallows. He can feel the threat behind her words.
"Yes, Your Ladyship. I will not embarrass you," he replies weakly.
He holds her gaze for two seconds before looking away.
The Baroness sighs softly and turns her attention elsewhere.
She ignores him entirely until Thea appears.
"Ah, there she is," the Baroness says, her tone softening. "She truly is safe. I am very glad to see it."
Ryan follows the Baroness’ line of sight.
His jaw slackens.
Walking toward them is the most beautiful young woman he has ever seen.
Ryan Blackwood has only seen Thea Montrose in photographs before.
Those photographs do her no justice at all.
Oh my...
Such an innocent, adorable young woman.
A slow, calculating smile touches his lips. Such a rare piece. One wonders what it takes to acquire something so... untouched.
