CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR - DENIED ENTRY

The sun dipped below the city skyline, casting long shadows across the asphalt as the taxi sped towards the outskirts. Following the hand-drawn map, the driver navigated winding country roads, finally announcing their arrival with a flourish. "Hardy Estate, right up ahead, ma'am," he said, pointing to a wrought-iron gate that stretched across the width of the road. Even from afar, Karina could sense the grandeur of the place. Towering trees shrouded the estate in an air of mystery, and a winding driveway snaked through the dense foliage, hinting at a sprawling mansion nestled within. As the taxi drew closer, the imposing gate loomed larger. Two figures, clad in black uniforms, stood guard on either side, their expressions stern and unyielding. Karina took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The taxi driver stopped, and Karina disembarked, clutching the map in her sweaty hand. Approaching the gate cautiously, she addressed the guards directly. "Excuse me, I'm here to se