Chapter 6

For an instant, she remained still, as if unable to comprehend the scene before her.

Tim, who had trailed her into the chamber, clasped his nose and released a stifled moan.

"Monica, what's causing that odor?" he whined, his expression twisted with revulsion. "The stench in here is unbearable!"

The undertaker—whom I'd enlisted to handle my remains—appeared more distressed. His tone escalated to one of alarm.

"Are you all oblivious? That's a gas leak! Natural gas is poisonous! Quickly open the windows before we all perish!"

Tim instantly began issuing commands to the security detail, his usual confidence replaced by stuttering.

"C-cut off the gas supply! Throw open the windows! Make haste!"

The guards complied, swiftly airing out the room, while Tim discreetly slipped outside to inhale fresh air, abandoning Monica to stand alone.

Momentarily, she appeared immobilized. Then, as if emerging from a daze, she darted to my side, her quivering hands reaching for my form.