She whipped her head around, her heartbeat loud in the quiet air, but the road was deserted, void of life.
Doubt gnawed at her as she scanned the area again. Only a solitary surveillance camera loomed at the alley’s entrance, its lens a silent sentinel over the dim, shadow-filled lanes offering perfect hiding spots.
“What’s troubling you? You seem off today. Why not take the day off? I don’t mind pulling a double shift to keep us on schedule,” Asher suggested, concern evident in his tone as he noticed her pale complexion.
Elizabeth perched tensely beside him, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s nothing serious—I just felt this strange sensation of being watched.”
Leaning forward, Asher peered into the fading light and remarked, “I see no one. Perhaps it was merely a curious local.”
Reassured, he leaned back, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Relax. We’re on government property here. No obsessive fans or relentless paparazzi would dare disturb us.”
Elizabeth hummed softly in acknowledgment, her mind racing.
If Oliver confirmed those infamous men were securely imprisoned without bail, who could be lurking? Could it be Nate?
His image briefly surfaced in her mind, but she dismissed the thought just as quickly. After all, her filming schedule wasn’t a secret. Nate could visit openly without resorting to such clandestine tactics.
Despite her reasoning, a persistent unease clung to her, refusing to dissipate.
Elizabeth spent a tense week waiting for the filming in Foxfire County to conclude. Only when the project wrapped up did she feel a sense of relief.
Time moved swiftly, and soon, the day of Melany’s birthday celebration arrived.
Unlike previous years, the event wasn’t held at an extravagant hotel. Instead, it took place at the James Mansion, under the guise of simplicity. However, the true intent was evident—to foster opportunities for Elijah and Elizabeth to grow closer.
As the family’s daughter-in-law, Billie took charge of the preparations. She personally oversaw every detail, from the venue decorations to the guest list, program schedule, and catering.
The workload was immense, but Billie embraced it with zeal. For her, this wasn’t merely a family event; it was a chance to demonstrate her capabilities, solidify her position among the James family elders, and enhance her reputation within elite social circles.
