Chapter 1529:
“Could you elaborate on your specific requirements?” These inquiries typically fell to Karina, but sensing her friend’s palpable distress, Corrine seamlessly intervened. “For instance, what style, fabric, and design elements would best suit your vision?”
“I don’t have any particular design in mind,” Amelie responded with airy dismissal. “Miss Holland, you may exercise your artistic judgment. Should any concerns arise, I’ll reach out directly. However, my schedule remains rather demanding, so you may need to extend your stay in Riverveille.”
“No problem. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible,” Corrine assured while efficiently gathering their materials. “In the meantime, should any questions emerge, our brand manager remains at your disposal.”
“Understood.”
After departing the estate, Karina collapsed into the car seat and exhaled a shuddering breath, her body still vibrating with lingering disquiet. “Don’t you find something distinctly strange about Amelie?”
Corrine remained silent, merely arching a single eyebrow in response.
“Who surrounds themselves with an entire room of mirrors like that?” The haunting vision of Amelie brushing her hair resurfaced in Karina’s mind, sending an unbidden shiver cascading down her spine.
Corrine’s lips curved into the whisper of a smile, though her eyes remained glacial pools. “It is merely a façade.”
Over the next two days, Corrine engaged in numerous detailed discussions with Amelie, carefully refining each element before settling on the final design. Once approved, Amelie transferred the payment without delay.
Observing the sum appear in their account, Karina remarked with surprise, “Well, Amelie certainly isn’t stingy.”
“You were convinced she had mental issues before. What changed your mind?” Corrine asked, her eyes glinting with playful mischief.
Karina stuck out her tongue, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “She may be generous, but she’s left quite an impression on me.” It was undeniably a singularly disquieting encounter.
Just then, Karina’s phone trilled to life—Amelie’s name illuminated the screen. “Miss Brooks,” came the slightly husky voice from the other end. “Might you be available this evening? I’d like to host you both for dinner as a gesture of appreciation for your journey here and as a proper farewell.”
Karina hesitated. Since their unsettling visit to the estate, an inexplicable dread had taken root in Karina’s mind, refusing to dissipate.
Exchanging a meaningful glance with Corrine, she asked, “Would you mind sharing the time and location, Miss Hamilton?”
“For your convenience, I’ve arranged reservations at the restaurant crowning your hotel.”
Presented with such an arrangement, Karina found herself with no graceful avenue for refusal.
As darkness enveloped the sky, Karina and Corrine rode the elevator toward the top-floor restaurant.
Halfway to their destination, Corrine’s phone chimed. Recognizing Nate’s name on the screen, she deliberately slowed her stride. “What is it?”
A deep, resonant voice filled her ear. “I miss you.”
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