CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE - A Sudden Storm

As the days ticked closer to the Christmas party, Ella felt a growing sense of anticipation. She had overcome numerous challenges and was finally starting to feel confident about the event. However, nature had other plans. It started with a light dusting of snow on a Tuesday morning, just four days before the party. Ella peered out the window of Montgomery's, watching the delicate flakes dance in the wind. "Looks like we might have a white Christmas after all," she mused to Lucas, who was reviewing some paperwork at a nearby table. He glanced up, a small frown creasing his brow. "Let's hope it doesn't get too heavy. The last thing we need is weather complications." Little did they know, those innocent snowflakes were just the beginning. By Wednesday afternoon, the light dusting had turned into a full-blown blizzard. The wind howled through the streets of Willow Creek, whipping snow into frenzied drifts that piled higher with each passing hour. Ella stood at the large front window