“What?” Hadley’s expression changed instantly, her eyes scanning the area in alarm. “I don’t see anyone…”

Elissa gripped Hadley’s hand tightly, a crease forming between her brows. “But I feel it. I know someone’s following me. Hadley, you believe me, don’t you? Please, tell me you do.”

“Of course I do,” Hadley said without a moment’s doubt. Then, turning to Tamara beside her, she gave a subtle nod.

“Understood,” Tamara replied, immediately catching on. “I’ll have them check the perimeter.”

“Thanks,” Hadley said with a nod.

“No worries,” Tamara answered, already pulling out her phone.

She quickly contacted the four male bodyguards who were with them, instructing them to investigate at once.

“Alright,” Hadley said, keeping Elissa’s hand in hers. “Let’s head back for now and wait for the news, okay?”

“Okay.” Elissa nodded, her mind still reeling.

Back at the villa, Elissa took some time to rest. Slowly, color returned to her face, and her nerves began to settle.

Tamara soon arrived and approached Hadley with a serious expression. “Miss Holland was right. Someone was following her.” Just as they had feared.

Both Hadley and Elissa froze for a beat, exchanging wide-eyed looks before gripping each other’s hands tightly.

“Don’t worry,” Hadley said. Her voice was firm but comforting as she gave Elissa’s hand a reassuring pat.

Then she turned to Tamara. “Did you manage to identify them?”

“No,” Tamara replied, shaking her head. “They disappeared the moment they sensed we were closing in. We didn’t get the chance to confront them.” She paused, then added, “Miss Holland, can you recall anyone who might have a reason to tail you—someone close, or someone you’ve had conflicts with?”

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“Well…” Elissa’s brow furrowed as she thought it over. “Maybe Ernest?” Of everyone she knew, he felt like the most plausible suspect.

“But…” Hadley hesitated, doubtful. “Why would he do that? If he wanted anything from you, he wouldn’t go about it in such a way. He’d come straight to you.”

“Then who else could it be?” Elissa was both confused and scared. “I can’t think of anyone else.”

“Breathe,” Hadley said gently, trying to calm her. “Let me ask him directly. I’ll call him right now.”

She pulled out her phone, dialed Ernest’s number, and put it on speaker.

“Hello, Hadley,” Ernest answered at once.

“Ernest.” Hadley didn’t bother with small talk. “Did you send someone to follow Elissa?”

“Elissa is being followed?” His reaction came quickly, laced with genuine surprise. “No, absolutely not. I wouldn’t do that. I have no reason to.”

Hadley met Elissa’s eyes and gave a slight nod. “That’s what I thought. But someone is following her tonight.”

“I’ll look into it,” Ernest said seriously. Then, with a noticeable change in tone, he asked, “Elissa, are you there?”

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