(Alison P.O.V)

As we slipped into the car, my hands trembled, betraying my nerves. "Do you think she was talking about Mathew?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. The echo of Madame Zara's ominous words still haunted me.

Ella, sensing my unease, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Alison, you're overthinking this. Madame Zara thrives on fear," she said, her tone gentle yet firm.

I clenched my fists, the weight of her prophecy pressing down on me. "But she was right about my financial problems. And I did decide to enter the competition because of it," I insisted, my eyes searching Ella's for reassurance.

Ethan started the car,...