CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIVE - The True Enemy Unmasked

Ella felt the strain acutely. Regular customers began to avoid eye contact, conversations hushing as she approached. Even their staff seemed on edge, casting worried glances when they thought she wasn't looking. One afternoon, as Ella was going over the books at Sweet Beginnings, she overheard two employees whispering in the kitchen. "I heard Mr. Montgomery's involved in some kind of fraud," one said. "My cousin works at the bank, says there's an investigation." "No way," the other replied. "But what about all those weird people hanging around? Something's definitely up." Ella cleared her throat as she entered the kitchen, and both employees jumped guiltily. The rest of the day passed in uncomfortable silence. That night, as they lay in bed, Ella turned to Lucas. "We need to do something. Our reputation is being destroyed." Lucas sighed heavily. "I know. But if we back down now, the Order wins. We have to see this through." Ella propped herself up on one elbow, her expression se