[Chapter 175: Halloween Horror]
Scarlett linked arms with Daniel. "He's my friend, Daniel Cross. This is Chris Evans, a really good guy."
"Thanks for the compliment, Scarlett," Chris shook Daniel's hand. "Welcome to my place. I really like your costumes, you two. Mind telling me who you're dressed as?"
Scarlett smiled. "Take a guess."
Chris looked them over carefully. "They seem so familiar, but I can't quite place it."
Daniel prompted, "It's related to a movie you filmed recently."
Chris thought for a moment. "I just finished shooting Fantastic Four. Is it from that?"
He looked again at Daniel and Scarlett, then suddenly his eyes lit up. "I got it! Black Widow and Hawkeye from Marvel! You guys are dressed as them!"
Scarlett asked, "How do we look? Like them?"
Chris nodded enthusiastically. "More than just like -- the two of you look even better than the characters in the comics. Hang on, I have to get some pictures. You both are absolutely dazzling."
Chris hurried off to find a camera and snapped several shots of Daniel and Scarlett.
Daniel rarely took photos, but seeing how much Scarlett enjoyed it, he didn't object. Besides, he was now an Ascendant, so he no longer needed to worry about personal information potentially being exploited.
"Amazing!" Chris praised them in his usual loud, exaggerated way.
Scarlett noticed Daniel wasn't too keen on being photographed and prompted, "Are you done yet, Chris?"
"Okay, okay, just one last shot." Chris clicked the shutter one more time, then lowered the camera, smiling broadly.
But Daniel caught the brief stiffening of Chris's smile before it went back to normal.
Most people might miss it, but as a Lesser Ascendant, Daniel noticed everything. He stepped closer, studying Chris's complexion carefully.
There was no dark energy or evil aura -- otherwise Daniel would have sensed it immediately.
Previously, Chris had been lively and excited, which kept any signs of strain hidden.
But now, Daniel spotted a faint crease of fatigue between Chris's brows, and his skin looked paler than usual, as if he hadn't rested well.
"Chris," Daniel asked gently, "have you experienced anything strange lately?"
Chris blinked in surprise. "No, nothing strange."
Scarlett, knowing Daniel's abilities well, could tell something was up. She stepped closer and warned, "Chris, Daniel is a very powerful Exorcist. If he says something's wrong, then there probably is. If you don't want to end up dead, you'd better tell us honestly if anything weird has happened. It could save your life."
"Exorcist?" Chris looked at Daniel anew, clearly surprised to hear his real profession.
Helplessly, he said, "I swear I haven't experienced anything odd. But Daniel, can I get your number? If anything does happen, I'll call you."
"Of course." Daniel gave him his contact info.
As Chris jotted it down, Scarlett said, "You should put it on speed dial. That way, if you're ever in trouble, Daniel can get to you right away."
"Good idea." Chris quickly tapped his phone. "Done."
Daniel kept watching Chris carefully. Seeing no further signs of strain, he wondered if maybe he was overthinking it.
But to be certain, Daniel would have to delve into Chris's mind -- and that wasn't something he could do quickly.
Remembering he had purchased the rights to Captain America, Daniel patted Chris on the shoulder, leaving a subtle magical imprint.
"Let's head inside," Daniel said.
Scarlett hooked her arm with Daniel's again and reminded Chris, "Remember -- you call Daniel immediately if anything dangerous comes up."
"I will," Chris promised repeatedly.
...
As they entered the party, Daniel felt like he had stepped into a den of wild demons dancing in abandon.
Still, Daniel and Scarlett drew countless compliments upon arrival.
Daniel was tall and good-looking; his costume amplified his heroic presence. Scarlett was radiant and lively; her form-fitting outfit showed off her stunning figure. For a moment, all eyes converged on them.
Then people started approaching to talk, some snapping photos as well.
If they weren't so awkward at dancing, they might have been crowned King and Queen of the dance floor at this party.
Scarlett's reputation in the industry was solid.
Daniel noticed that her status seemed quite good -- after all, she had been nominated twice for the Golden Globe Best Actress award.
He also spotted several familiar faces at the gathering.
...
The party didn't wind down until after 11 PM.
Outside by the door, Chris was there to see off guests, his loud, hearty laughter ringing out now and then.
On screen, his Captain America portrayal was serious, stern, even a little stiff. But in real life, he was completely different -- easily amused, with a low laugh threshold and an exaggerated sense of humor.
"Goodbye, Daniel. Goodbye, Scarlett," he said enthusiastically, linking arms with Daniel as they prepared to leave.
...
Driving away from Chris's villa, Scarlett asked, "Do you really think something's wrong with Chris?"
Daniel replied, "I'm not completely sure. Maybe I misread it."
"He's a good guy. I hope he'll be okay," Scarlett said.
As Daniel turned two corners, he suddenly slammed on the brakes.
On the roadside stood a figure in black and white, with pale makeup and a tiny top hat -- a Clown costume -- horrifyingly stabbing a woman with a dagger.
Blood spattered everywhere, instantly staining the Clown's white outfit crimson.
The woman lay motionless on the ground, drenched in blood and unresponsive.
Yet the Clown didn't stop. The knife plunged again and again.
Suddenly, he grabbed a nearby trash can and smashed it down onto the woman's head.
Bang.
Her skull seemed to shatter with the impact, blood spraying wildly.
"Ah!" Scarlett, frozen in shock, let out a terrified scream.
At that moment, the Clown turned and locked eyes with Daniel and Scarlett.
His lips curled into a twisted smile.
Then, without warning, he charged at them at full speed.
*****
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