CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN – I NEED A PARTNER IN CRIME

As they drove back towards the penthouse, Joan gazed out the window at the city lights. She'd made her choice, crossed a line she never thought she would. But as she glanced at Alessandro, his profile illuminated by passing streetlights, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement for what the future might hold. Joan paced nervously in the penthouse living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Finally, she took a deep breath and dialed Zoe's number. "Hello?" Zoe's familiar voice answered. "Zoe! It's Joan. I... I have something important to discuss with you. Can you come over to my place?" There was a pause. "Your place? You mean Alessandro's penthouse?" Joan winced. "Yeah. It's... complicated. I'll explain everything when you get here. Please?" "Alright," Zoe agreed, curiosity evident in her tone. "I'll be there in an hour." True to her word, Zoe arrived an hour later, her eyes widening as she took in the opulent lobby. "Ms. Keppler," the doorman greeted Joan wi