Chapter 21

I pursed my lips and said, "I'll take your advice and be more careful."

Steven stood up and said, "I'll update you as soon as I have news."

"Okay."

With swift movements, Steven grabbed his toolbox and left my house. Once he was gone, the room fell silent. I looked up at the bookshelves covering the wall and followed them up to the high ceiling where a skylight let in the morning sunlight, casting dust motes dancing in its beams. Suddenly, my life felt very uncertain.

At that moment, Wendy called, asking if I had met with Steven and how our conversation went.

"He seems trustworthy, but maybe a bit imaginative."

"What do you mean?" Wendy asked. "What did he speculate?"

I told Wendy about Steven's investigation into Cindy's identity and his speculations.

After hearing me out, Wendy asked, "Jen, are you absolutely sure you don't know Cindy? Think carefully. Have you ever encountered her in your life? According to Steven's logic, this woman must harbor intense resentment toward you