<b>Chapter </b><b>214</b>: <b>Trapped </b><b>by </b>the <b>Storm </b>


    Chapter 214: Trapped by the Storm


    <b>(</b>Olivia’s POV)


    PARYS


    The sky seemed to have a hole in it. Rain poured down in sheets, creating a deafening roar against the roof of Rachel’s modest home. I stood by the window, watching water droplets form a curtain under the eaves, blurring my vision of the outside world.


    “It doesn’t look like it’s going to let up anytime soon,” I murmured, more to myself than to Emma who stood


    beside me.


    The vige had no proper roads, just muddy paths that were nowpletely saturated. Each step outside would require extraordinary effort, pulling one’s foot from the sucking mud only to plunge it into another


    patch of slippery earth.


    Emma sighed. “At this rate, we’ll be stuck here for days.”


    I nodded grimly, watching as James Morrison trudged up the path toward the house. He waspletely soaked, his pants covered in mud up to his knees.


    James burst through the door, shaking water from his hair like a wolf after a swim. “It’s getting worse out there,” he announced, handing the packages he carried to Rachel.


    “You’re drenched!” Rachel eximed, taking the Fresh Venison Steaks and Herb–Crusted Lamb Ribs from her


    husband.


    James casually ced his umbre under the eaves and moved to the wall to change his mud–caked shoes.


    “The market was about to close. I barely made it there in time.”


    Rachel disappeared into the kitchen with the ingredients, then returned with a towel for James. “Liv,” she said, turning to me, “I think you should consider staying longer. It’s not safe to travel in this weather.”


    I frowned, my gaze fixed on the relentless downpour. “I have cases waiting for me back in Harbor City.”


    “I understand,” Rachel said sympathetically, “but this rain isn’t going to stop anytime soon.”


    As if on cue, my phone chimed with a notification. I checked it and my frown deepened. “My flight’s been


    canceled due to the severe weather.”


    Rachel nodded knowingly. “It’s the rainy season. This always happenssts for days sometimes.”


    “Days?” I couldn’t hide my concern. I had clients expecting me, appointments scheduled.


    “Don’t worry,” Rachel reassured me, cing a gentle hand on my arm. “We’ll make you asfortable as possible. Our home is humble, but you’re wee to stay as long as needed.”


    Her warmth reminded me why we’d be friends in the first ce. Rachel had always been genuinely kind,


    without ulterior motives.


    <b>“</b>I’ll cook those Herb–Crusted Lamb Ribs for dinner,” she continued, “and spicy Fresh Venison Steaks. You’ll


    love them.”


    I managed a smile. “Thank you, Rachel. I appreciate your hospitality.”


    Chapter 214 Trapped by t


    The rain intensified over the next three days, drumming against the roof with increasing fury. On <b>the </b>third night, a c***k of thunder jolted me awake. The sound was followed by voices and movement downstairs.


    I slipped out of the guest room and made my way toward themotion. Rachel and James were moving


    furniture and boxes, their faces tense with concentration.


    “What’s happening?” I asked, noticing water seeping under the front door.


    Rachel looked up, startled. “Liv! Go back to bed. It’s just some rainwater getting in. Nothing to worry about.”


    But I could see the concern in her eyes. “Let me help,” I insisted, already rolling up my sleeves.


    Rachel hesitated, then nodded gratefully. “We’re moving everything valuable to higher ground. The water’s


    rising faster than we expected.”


    She handed me a box of family photos. As I took it, my smartphone slipped from my pocket and fell with a ssh into the water pooling on the floor…


    “Oh no!” Rachel gasped.


    I quickly retrieved it, but the damage was done. The screen remained ck when I tried to turn it on.


    “My phone…” I stared at the Waterlogged Smartphone in dismay.


    Rachel’s face crumpled with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Liv! Now you’re cut off from the outside world because of us.<b>” </b>


    I shook my head, forcing a reassuring smile. “It’s not your fault. And don’t worry, I can use someone else’s phone to let my family know I’m okay.”


    But morning brought another challenge. The power had been cut throughout the vige as a precaution against electrical shorts from the flooding.


    “Emma, can I borrow Awen’s Moonstone Communication Device?” I asked, finding my assistant in the kitchen.


    Emma handed it over with a worried expression. “It only has one percent battery left.”


    I quickly dialed my father’s number, praying he would answer. To my relief, Richard Winters picked up on the


    second ring.


    “Hello?” His voice sounded distant and crackly.


    “Dad, it’s Livvy,” I said quickly, watching the battery indicator blink ominously. “My smartphone fell into water and can’t be used. I’m borrowing this device to let you know I’m safe, so don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”


    “Olivia? Where are you? We’ve been trying to-<b>” </b>


    The call cut off abruptly as Awen’s Moonstone Communication Device died in my hand. I stared at the nk


    screen in frustration.


    “At least you got through to him,” Emma said, trying to sound optimistic.


    I nodded, though I wasn’t entirely convinced my message had been clear enough. “Let’s hope so.”


    The flood had damaged the vige’s power lines, leaving us without electricity. Thankfully, Rachel’s family still cooked with firewood, ensuring we wouldn’t go <b>hungry</b>.


    <b>I </b>finished a bowl of Emma’s Healing Herb Noodles that Rachel had prepared over the open fire. The warm broth wasforting against the chill that had settled in the house.


    Chapter 214 Trapped by t


    “Has there been any word about rescue teams?” I asked, setting down my empty bowl.


    Rachel shook her head, her expression somber. “The rescue team is estimated to arrive tomorrow.”


    5


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