CHAPTER 143 A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

After a long, successful day at the office, Claire decided to treat herself and Emily to some celebratory pizza. Emily had insisted on celebrating her mother's win with their favorite pizza from Tony's Pizzeria, a cozy eatery in their neighborhood. Claire happily obliged, eager to share her good news with her daughter over a delicious meal. She parked her car and walked into the warm, bustling pizzeria, the aroma of freshly baked dough and melting cheese greeting her. As she waited for her order, Claire's thoughts wandered to the bouquet from Alfred Marshall and the exciting developments at work. Her heart felt light, filled with hope and anticipation for the future. With the pizza box in hand and Emily in the other, Claire stepped out of the eatery and headed toward her car. The evening air was cool, and the streets were busy with people finishing their day's errands. "Pizza, pizza, pizza!" Emily was in jubilatory mood. Just as she reached her car, she felt a sudden, sharp tug on