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Chapter_203
The tension in the Snyder dining hall crackled like a live wire. Caleb, purple hair gleaming in the afternoon sun, munched on Felicity’s flying drumstick as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Felicity’s cheeks flushed crimson.
“Caleb!” she hissed, wiping a stray crumb from her brother’s mouth. “Do you mind? I’m entertaining guests.”
Caleb only grinned wider. “Sorry, sis—just seeing who Nash really is!” He patted Nash on the shoulder. “Never thought you’d end up in our house on a lunch invite.”
Angelica exchanged an amused glance with Nash. The scene was surreal: Michelin-star fare laid out beneath crystal chandeliers, Felicity’s imperious rebuke, Caleb’s devil-may-care laughter.
Nash rose, steeling himself. “Master Caleb—if I may—thank you for welcoming us. I hope your sister and I aren’t causing too much trouble.”
Caleb shook his head. “Trouble? Hardly. Anything that teases Felicity’s temper out is worth it.” He winked.
Felicity snorted and collapsed into her seat. “Boys and their antics…” She turned back to Nash with sudden gravity. “But really, thank you both for lunch. It’s been… a while since I felt at home.”
Angelica poured herself more tea. “Your house is incredible, Felicity. Sagen must be lucky to have you.”
Felicity’s eyes softened. “Enough flattery. Tell me—what’s next in your quest? You haven’t been in Jonford long, yet you’ve already unraveled the Lewis tragedy and faced Sky Blade.”
Nash leaned forward, resting his hands on the polished table. “We still have one loose end: the identity of Wesley’s mysterious employer, the one who met behind the curtain at the Chateau Hotel.”
Felicity placed her fork down. “My grandfather often hosts gatherings at the Chateau. If your employer is careful, he may use one of my grandfather’s events as cover. I can arrange to be there next week—discreetly, of course.”
Angelica brightened. “That could be the break we need!”
Caleb laughed. “You two planning a stakeout at my grandfather’s ball? Hope you have tuxes ready.”
Felicity gave her brother a pointed look. “Caleb, you will behave—and you’ll keep your nose out of this. Nash isn’t your date.”
Caleb held up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll stay out of it. But only because I’m starving.” He reached for another lobster claw.
Later that evening, as the golden light faded, Nash and Angelica departed the Snyder Estate under Felicity’s watchful gaze. The Ferrari’s engine purred to life, carrying them back toward Jonford.
“Thank you again,” Angelica said softly. “For everything.”
Nash gave a small smile. “We’re a team now. Sagen, Jonford—what’s one more city?”
Angelica laughed. “True. And after all we’ve faced… I’d follow you anywhere.”
He glanced at her, the promise in his eyes as steady as ever. “Then let’s find our next clue at the Chateau.”
As the red Ferrari disappeared into the dusk, Felicity stood at her gate, watching the taillights fade. She tapped her wrist where her deputy-chief ID shimmered in the last light. Tomorrow night’s ball would be the most important event she’d ever attended—one where her life would intersect with shadows deeper than the Snyder fortune.
And somewhere behind the curtains of the grand Chateau Hotel, the next piece of the puzzle was waiting to be uncovered.