CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT - SPECIAL INVITATION

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach – a mix of nerves and a newfound determination. Today, she would tell John her answer. Today, she would officially become a part of his secret world. Approaching the sleek, chrome receptionist desk, she cleared her throat and addressed the impeccably dressed woman behind it. "Hello, I'm here to see Mr. Hardy." The woman, Kimberly, gave a tight smile, her gaze flickering over Karina with a cool efficiency. "Do you have an appointment?" "Actually," Karina began, "I…" Before she could explain, Kimberly's smile vanished, replaced by a practiced politeness. "Mr. Hardy specifically requested you meet him at his estate this afternoon. A limousine will be sent to pick you up at two o'clock sharp." Confused, but intrigued, Karina offered a tentative nod. "Alright, thank you." The rest of the day crawled by. Every email notification, every phone call, sent a jolt of nervous anticipation through her. Finally, at precisely two o'clock, a sleek black lim