Chapter 1621:
Chloe scrambled to follow, her earlier stupor forgotten.
They'd barely ventured beyond the hotel's sanctuary when unease prickled along Chloe's spine. She leaned
close, her breath ghosting against Elyse’s ear. “TellI'm imagining the shadows trailing us.”
Elyse remained composed. “Your instincts ring true again. Rebecca’s watchdogs ensure we don’t slip away.”
Horror widened Chloe's eyes. “Is she skind of psycho? Why would she have us followed?”
Elyse maintained her neutral expression. “Pay them no mind. We're just two friends enjoying sshopping and
dining. We pose no threat.”
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Chloe swallowed her nerves and forced herself to play along, even as the invisible eyes burned into her back.
Their afternoon melted into evening, lost in a whirl of boutiques and laughter. Chloe eventually noticed Elyse’s
conspicuous silence about practice. “Has your performance...?”
Anxiety mysteriously vanished.” Elyse’s response carried a hint of irony. “Quite the opposite. The fear of failure
hauntsconstantly.”
Confusion furrowed Chloe’s brow. “Then why...?”
A knowing smile curved Elyse’s lips. “Rebecca needs to believe I'm here for pleasure, not obsessing over the
performance.”
Understanding dawned in Chloe’s eyes. “To lower her defenses, right?”
A sleek car materialized beside them, its window descending to reveal Rebecca's triumphant grin.
Elyse feigned surprise masterfully. “How did you track us down?”
Rebecca's laugh held a predatory edge. “This is my domain. Finding you was child's play.”
Chloe suppressed her eye-roll, knowing full well they'd been under surveillance.
“Joinfor drinks,” Rebecca commanded more than invited.
Elyse hesitated artfully. “We were planning to retire early.”
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Rebecca's sigh dripped with theatricality. “I've been dying to catch up, but business keptoccupied. Humor
Elyse acquiesced.
Their shopping spoils were efficiently transferred to another vehicle before they joined Rebecca in her car.
Elyse’s voice carried a subtle warning. “We'll need our belongings returned when you drop us at the hotel.”
Rebecca's laugh held false warmth. “Naturally. Everything's taken care of.”
Their destination proved to be a magnificent skyscraper piercing the heart of the city.
At the summit, Elyse stood transfixed by the glittering urban tapestry below. Her voice carried genuine
appreciation. “Your nation holds remarkable beauty.”
Rebecca acknowledged this with a nod. “Indeed. However...”