CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR – ALMOST CAUGHT IN THE MIX

The use of her last name sent a jolt of panic through Joan. She knew she had to act fast. With a swift movement, she brought her knee up, connecting solidly with Enzo's groin. As he doubled over in pain, Joan pushed him away, causing him to stumble into a nearby food stall. The stall collapsed in a cacophony of clanging pots and startled yells. Enzo, covered in pasta sauce and tangled in a string of garlic, struggled to his feet. "You'll pay for that, you bitch!" he roared, lunging for Joan. But Joan was already moving, weaving through the stunned crowd. She could hear shouts behind her, the festival's peaceful atmosphere shattered by the commotion. As she ran, Joan's mind whirled. She had just done the one thing she'd been trying so hard to avoid: drawing attention to herself. The incident would be the talk of the town for days, if not weeks. Joan ducked into a narrow alley, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She could hear the distant sounds of the festival, no