?<strong>Chapter 1621:</strong>


    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. “Tell me I’m imagining the shadows trailing us.”


    Elyse remainedposed. “Your instincts ring true again. Reba’s watchdogs ensure we don’t slip away.”


    Horror widened Chloe’s eyes. “Is she some kind of psycho? Why would she have us followed?”


    Elyse maintained her neutral expression. “Pay them no mind. We’re just two friends enjoying some shopping and dining. We pose no threat.”


    Chloe swallowed her nerves and forced herself to y along, even as the invisible eyes burned into her back.


    Their afternoon melted into evening, lost in a whirl of boutiques andughter. 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 haunts me constantly.”


    Confusion furrowed Chloe’s brow. “Then why…?”


    A knowing smile curved Elyse’s lips. “Reba 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 Reba’s triumphant grin.


    Elyse feigned surprise masterfully. “How did you track us down?”


    Reba’sugh held a predatory edge. “This is my domain. Finding you was child’s y.”


    Chloe suppressed her eye-roll, knowing full well they’d been under surveince.


    “Join me for drinks,” Rebamanded more than invited.


    Elyse hesitated artfully. “We were nning to retire early.”


    Reba’s sigh dripped with theatricality. “I’ve been dying to catch up, but business kept me upied. Humor me with one drink. It’s rare to have friends visit, and I pride myself on hospitality.” After a calcted pause, Elyse acquiesced.


    Their shopping spoils were efficiently transferred to another vehicle before they joined Reba in her car.


    Elyse’s voice carried a subtle warning. “We’ll need our belongings returned when you drop us at the hotel.”


    Reba’sugh 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.”


    Reba acknowledged this with a nod. “Indeed. However…”


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