CHAPTER ELEVEN – THE CEO’S MANSION

The car crunched onto the gravel driveway that snaked through manicured lawns, leading towards the imposing mansion. Kayla recognized it from photos – a sprawling Tudor-style behemoth that seemed to dwarf everything around it. Massive oak trees, sentinels of a bygone era, lined the driveway, their branches forming a leafy canopy overhead. The air hung heavy with the scent of pine and freshly cut grass. As they got closer, the sheer scale of the mansion became even more evident. Gargoyles scowled from ornate chimneys, intricate stained-glass windows gleamed in the afternoon sun, and a sprawling terrace offered a glimpse of formal gardens beyond. Finally, they reached a large, paved area designated for parking guests. Kayla pulled into a spot, her heart hammering in her chest. She glanced at Lana, who seemed momentarily speechless, her carefully sculpted facade crumbling slightly as she took in the grandeur of the estate. "Wow," Lana finally breathed. "You've been here before?" Kay