Chapter 63

Elenora’s gaze was firmly fixed on Christine, a mixture of suspicion and distrust evident in her eyes. She couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that her stepdaughter had arrived with the intention of sabotaging her plans. Every instinct told her to be cautious; her features hardened and her stare intensified, as though trying to penetrate Christine’s thoughts.

Curiously, her eyes darted to the item Christine cradled in her arms. The package emitted a pleasant aroma, reminiscent of baked goods. Surely, it couldn’t be a dessert, could it?

‘This can’t just be a mere coincidence. She must have a specific reason for being here.’

Martha, ever the outspoken one and often prone to imprudent comments, was about to chime in. However, her mother shot her a cautionary glance, clearing her throat as a signal.

Heeding the unspoken warning, Martha chose her words more carefully. “Mommy, perhaps she’s here for a job interview and is too embarrassed to admit it.” She turned to scrutinize Christine wi