Chapter 13: Aria's Lunatic Behavior

Reese walked through the grand entrance of the event center, making sure everything was in place. The room was almost ready, but there were still a few finishing touches to be made. She glanced at the clock; there was still plenty of time to prepare before the event later that week.

As she passed the food station, she spotted Valerie, her back turned as she adjusted some of the decor. Reese approached her, brushing off the tension from the previous day’s encounter.

“Hey, Valerie,” Reese called out.

Valerie turned around, offering a tight smile. “Reese. How’s everything going?”

Reese gave a half-smile, glancing around the...