Chapter 18

As the golden hues of late autumn wrapped around the Monroe residence like a silk veil, Lila's car came to a stop just outside the gates. She stepped out of the car gracefully. In one hand, she carried a carefully prepared gift box, and with the other, she casually tossed her car keys to the waiting bodyguard. "No need to park it in the garage," she said calmly. "I'll be leaving for my place later." The bodyguard nodded respectfully and drove the car away. Lila walked up the steps and opened the carved mahogany doors. A cool breeze, carrying the fresh scent of pine, drifted in behind her. The crystal chandelier cast a soft, golden light across the dining room. At the table, her aunt, Elaine Gosling, was setting down the final dish—a beef Wellington with thyme-glazed carrots on the side. Hearing Lila's footsteps, Elaine turned toward her with a smile. The pearls at her ears shimmered softly in the warm glow of the fireplace. "Perfect timing. Come join us for dinner," Elaine said