Chapter 186: Shadow of Deception

Hazel walked briskly through the dimly lit corridor of the prison, her heels echoing against the cold, hard floor. The air was heavy with the scent of disinfectant and the unmistakable smell of despair that seemed to linger in every corner. She was no stranger to this place—after all, she had visited her father several times since he was incarcerated. But today, there was a new sense of purpose in her steps, a different kind of determination in her eyes. As she reached the visitor’s area, the guard at the door gave her a cursory glance before unlocking the door with a heavy clang. Hazel flashed him a brief, charming smile as she entered the small, sterile room. It was furnished with a single table and two chairs, separated by a thick pane of glass. The harsh fluorescent lights above cast stark shadows on the walls, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. She sat down, smoothing out the wrinkles in her designer dress, and waited. Moments later, the door on the other side of the glass ope