Shadows Closing In

Elara’s heels clicked against the pavement as she walked toward her car, her body still trembling with rage. The confrontation with Charles had left her emotionally drained, yet somehow empowered. She had finally stood up to him, laid bare his hypocrisy, and made her intentions clear. As she reached for the car door handle, a chill ran down her spine. Something felt off.

She glanced around the dimly lit parking lot, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her years of experience had sharpened her instincts, and right now, they were screaming danger.

“Mrs. Blackwood!” her driver, Marcus, called out as he hurried toward her. “Is everything alright? You seem upset.”

Elara forced a smile. “I’m fine, Marcus. Just a... challenging meeting.” She hesitated, then added, “Actually, could you do a quick check around the car? I have a strange feeling.”

Marcus nodded, his expression serious. He’d been with the Blackwood family long enough to trust E