Zoe didn't leave. Instead, she braked again, parked the car, took a deep breath, and got out. She walked to the iron gate, reaching to press the doorbell.

Just as she was about to press it, the front door of the villa swung open. Christopher walked briskly down the steps, a stern expression on his face.

How convenient, Zoe thought, watching his hurried demeanor. She guessed he might have been in a rush to leave.

Their eyes met through the iron gate, and Zoe felt unexpectedly calm. His direct appearance saved her the trouble of ringing the doorbell and hesitating about whether to go in.

Christopher initially thought she had...