CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY – MORE ENEMIES STALKING

Kayla hummed along to the soft melody playing from the speaker as she meticulously arranged the fresh ingredients on the marble countertop. Her fingers deftly sliced through the vibrant red bell peppers, the aroma of their sweetness wafting through the air. This was going to be a special night, a romantic surprise for Lance after the grueling weeks they'd endured. She took a moment to admire the sizzling pan, where garlic and onions danced in a shimmering pool of olive oil. Kayla couldn't help but smile, imagining Lance's face when he saw the spread she had prepared – his favorite dishes, from the tender filet mignon to the creamy risotto infused with earthy mushrooms. As she reached for the bottle of red wine, her phone began to vibrate insistently on the counter. Frowning, she glanced at the caller ID and felt her heart skip a beat. It was Lance's lawyer, Marcus Wilkins. "Hello?" Kayla answered, her voice tinged with concern. "Kayla, thank goodness I caught you," Marcus said, his