CHAPTER 7
The morning sun flooded the estate courtyard, which was already bustling with activity. Guests were carrying luggage to their cars, wrapping each other in farewell hugs, and sharing memories from the spectacular wedding.
Chloe stood by her car, helping Rachel pack the last of the wedding gifts into the trunk.
Rachel was glowing with happiness. She pulled Chloe into a tight embrace, whispering, “Thank you for everything. You really are the best friend in the whole world.”
Chloe offered a warm smile, then looked past Rachel’s shoulder toward the grand entrance, catching sight of Ana.
Ana was dressed in an immaculate, light-colored coat, complete with dark sunglasses.
She looked every bit the untouched, elegant matriarch—the picture-perfect mother of the bride without a single flaw.
As their gazes locked for a fleeting second, Ana gave a microscopic, almost imperceptible nod before turning smoothly back to a group of guests.
If only they knew, Chloe thought to herself, rearranging a box so she could shut the trunk.
She took one last look up at the estate, etching the memory of the place into her mind.
Walking around to the driver’s side, she opened the door and slid into her seat. As she leaned over to pull the seatbelt across her chest, her hand bumped against something firm inside her coat pocket.
She reached in and pulled out a small piece of paper folded into quarters. The distinct weight and texture made the sender obvious before she even unfolded it.
Her heart kicked against her ribs as she opened the note, taking a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching. Written in that elegant, sharp handwriting was a single line:
“Monday at 6:00 PM. My city apartment. The key is under the third flowerpot on the right. Don’t forget your panties. Or your manners.”
Rachel pulled open the passenger door and climbed in beside her, completely oblivious to how intimately her best friend and her mother had gotten to know each other over the weekend.
Chloe let out a quiet breath, a secret smile touching her lips. The game clearly wasn’t over. And as much as she tried to deny it, she couldn’t wait to play.