Chapter 128

The driver turned to Elodie. ‘Would you like me to wait here, Miss Fontaine?’ Elodie thought for a moment. ‘No, thanks. I don’t know how long this will take.’ The driver gave her his number and asked her to call if she was ready to leave. Steeling herself, Elodie stepped out of the car, approached the front porch, and pressed the doorbell. A symphony of sounds emanating from the affluent neighbourhood accompanied by soft whispers of activity served as background noise while she stood there, waiting. After what felt like an eternity, she rang the doorbell again. At long last, the door swung open, revealing a stunned Miriam. Her gaze swept over Elodie, taking in every detail meticulously – from her artfully dishevelled chestnut locks cascading down her shoulders to the tailored designer outfit hugging her slender frame. A kaleidoscope of emotions danced across Miriam’s delicate features; initial delight rapidly mutating into shock followed by subtle avoidance tactics. ‘Hello, Miriam,’ El