This was clearly a low-density villa district. The surrounding environment was nice, but there were no high-rises in the distance. It had to be far from the city center. Even if she managed to get out of this villa district, she might not be able to get past security. And even if she got past security, she might not be able to call a cab to the city. Worse, her phone and money had all been confiscated by Matteo. Thinking it through, Eliza realized she had no way to escape. Her only hope was to find a way to let Nolan and the others know she had been taken by Matteo. That way, Nolan would quickly have Matteo followed and might be able to find this villa. Just then, Eliza saw Matteo watering the roses in the courtyard. “I didn't expect you to be a flower person.” The garden was filled with roses of every variety. As Matteo watered them, he looked at the blossoms with an expression full of affection, as if he had vested some special emotion in them. At least, Eliza had never seen such a gentle look in Matteo's eyes. Perhaps hearing her, Matteo's tender expression vanished. “I'm not. It's just a shame to let them die.” After that, he looked at Eliza. “Walk around. Don't get lost.” “You underestimate me. This yard isn't even as big as the Rivers family's.” Not only was the yard small, but you could see it all in a single glance. It was clearly an inexpensive villa. For someone like Nathaniel, a villa like this was probably left empty for long stretches. But surprisingly, the flowers here were lush and vibrant. It was obvious someone came to tend to them meticulously every day, otherwise the courtyard wouldn't look so alive. Eliza walked a lap around the garden. Unlike other courtyards, the high walls here were not embedded with broken glass or any other anti-theft measures. This meant the district's security was very tight, and thieves rarely got in. She also noticed the owner must like cats, as there were several small cat shelters in the corner. Eliza committed the villa's layout to memory. If she ever managed to get out of the attic, she would know which way to go.“Stop thinking,” Matteo said suddenly from nearby. “Do you know why I agreed to let you out for a walk? It's because I know you can't escape. I'm one hundred percent sure. So even if you walk around out here for an hour or two, you're not getting out.” “What makes you so sure?” “This entire villa district is surrounded by my men. And this district is abandoned. There are no other residents. On navigation, this place is just a patch of wasteland. You're the only person here.” Hearing Matteo say this, a wave of terror washed over Eliza. Such a large villa district, yet she was the only one in it. Did that mean... yesterday and last night, she had been here all alone in this entire district? “That's why I said you can't run.” Matteo's expression turned cold. “Give up your scheming. You have no way out of here. I only let you out because I wanted to see what tricks you'd try to pull. If you're thinking of escaping, I advise you not to waste your time.” Hearing his words, Eliza felt all her calculations had just been rendered useless. Matteo saw the disappointment on her face and the corner of his mouth hooked into a faint smile. “Just stay here quietly. Nolan cares about you so much, he'll definitely offend every last one of Nathaniel's men in the shortest time possible. In one day, you'll be fine.” “I thought we were friends, at least. Doesn't your conscience hurt at all, using me like this?” “No.” Matteo's answer was resolute. Eliza knew then that this man was heartless. “If you knew how I clawed my way to this position, you'd know that I don't believe in genuine feelings. In this world, there are only interests between two people. It's just a matter of how much each one can offer.” Matteo gave her a cold glance. “I thought you, of all people, would understand that.” Eliza had grown up without any family warmth. It was only after she grew up and met the Sue family that she learned how precious the word "family" was. In the past, she hadn't believed in genuine feelings either. But after meeting Nolan, she had started to.