“Alright then, bye–bye!” The sweet, yful voice on the other end hung up with a click


    Felicia stared at the call log on her phone for a moment, her grip tightening before she slid it back into her pocket. With a deep breath, she straightened her back and strode purposefully toward the airport exit.


    Behind her, the four men assigned by Maurice followed at a discreet distance. They’d been ordered to protect her but not to hover. Keeping to the shadows, they maintained a watchful presence while ensuring they <b>didn’t </b>intrude on her life or reveal their identities.


    Felicia didn’t spare them a second nce. She gged down a cab and headed straight for her rental apartment.


    When the car pulled up to the familiar building, she spotted Carmen pacing anxiously in front of the entrance. The moment Carmen caught sight of Felicia stepping out of the cab, her face lit up with relief.


    “You’re back!” Carmen rushed forward, giving Felicia a once–over and confirming she was in one piece. She let out a long sigh of relief only when she was satisfied. “Thank God, you’re okay! That’s all that matters!”


    Carmen started talking as she rummaged through her bag, eventually pulling out a small bundle of dried herbs. She gently brushed Felicia’s left shoulder with it while muttering, “Bad vibes, be gone. Negative energy, get lost!”


    Felicia was caught off guard but didn’t resist, letting Carmen finish her little ritual.


    After finishing her little ritual<b>, </b>Carmen reached into her bag and pulled out a small fabric pouch. It was clearly handmade, with uneven stitches and mismatched fabric.


    She handed it to Felicia with a serious expression. “Here, keep this with you. Stick it in your pocket or bag and carry it everywhere. Except when you’re in the shower, of course. It’s for good vibes and to keep the bad luck away!”


    The pouch was filled with a mix ofvender and rosemary, emitting a calming, earthy scent. It felt oddlyforting in Felicia’s hand.


    “Alright,” she said with a smile. “I’ll keep it on me.”


    Carmen beamed, clearly pleased with herself. The two headed upstairs together.


    Back in the apartment, Felicia immediately noticed how spotless everything was. The floors. gleamed like mirrors, and the air smelled faintly of disinfectant.


    “I’ve been staying here since you went missing,” Carmen exined sheepishly. “I didn’t know what else to do, so I just kept cleaning, waiting for news. I’m so d you’re back, Felicia. Otherwise, I would’ve been guilty for life. I was so scared something bad had happened.”


    Felicia handed Carmen a ss of water and gently patted her on the shoulder.


    “You’ve got nothing to feel guilty about,” she said firmly. “What happened wasn’t your fault. If anything, I’m the one who dragged you into my mess. Splitting up that day was the right call.”


    Carmen’s expression softened, but the guilt still lingered in her eyes. “What happened, anyway?” she asked hesitantly. “Where did they take you? Was it… Was it Ka behind all this?


    Felicia shook her head, deciding to keep Carmen out of the tangled web involving Maurice.


    “No,” she said lightly. “It wasn’t like that. Someone just wanted me to treat them. They’re… not exactly stable, so they used some unconventional methods to get my attention.”


    It wasn’t entirely a lie. In Felicia’s opinion, Maurice was indeed out of his mind.


    Carmen blinked as she processed this. Then, she broke into a relieved smile. “Well, as long as you’re okay. To celebrate, I’m treating you to stew tonight!”


    Felicia chuckled softly.


    Talking about stew reminded her of the ns she and Carmen had made after their hike. It was a n derailed by the chaos that followed her kidnapping.


    But tonight wasn’t the night to revive those ns


    Feliciaughed softly. “Let’s do it tomorrow. I need to stop by the Walsh residence today.” “Alright, but it’s on me tomorrow!” Carmen said, lifting her chin in mock defiance.


    Felicia threw up her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, fine! I’ll make sure to eat enough to put you out of business.”


    “Sure!”


    Carmenughed, walking Felicia to the door. As she opened it, her smile faltered, and she hesitated. “Do you want me to go with you?” novelbin


    “No need,” Felicia said, smiling reassuringly before stepping out.


    She gged another cab and asked the driver to head toward the Walsh residence.


    But the moment she arrived, she understood Carmen’s hesitation.


    The tension in the air was palpable. It was clear from the moment Felicia stepped out of the car that she wasn’t wee–here.