Chapter 17 - An Unexpected Visitor At The Gates
At 6:00 PM that evening, as the guests were leaving the estate grounds, a yellow taxi cab pulled up to the iron security gates.
A woman stepped out of the backseat, wearing faded clothes, holding a worn handbag, looking around the pristine estate with hesitation.
It was Chloe—the woman who had laughed into the phone in Maui while ocean waves rolled behind her two years ago.
She walked up to the side entrance where I was reviewing event logistics with David Croft, her head bowed in deep shame.
“Evelyn...” Chloe said quietly, her voice trembling as she clutched her handbag tightly against her waist.
“I... I know you probably hate me, but I didn't know where else to go.”
May you like
I stood on the stone steps, looking down at her with complete emotional detachment, showing neither anger nor sympathy.
“What do you want, Chloe?” I asked calmly.
