“Lettie, Officer Chase might already have a girlfriend,” Willow said cautiously, not willing to take any chances. She felt it was better to warn her friend, just in case Lettie wasn’t joking. If Lettie really fell for him, things could get messy.
Juliette’s first reaction was surprise. “You two just met, and Officer Chase already hinted at that?”
Then suspicion crept in. “Are you sure he’s not just making it up—maybe he noticed you’re a bit hesitant about dating, so he invented a girlfriend to lower your guard?”
Ryan hadn’t mentioned Connor in front of Juliette, so she still didn’t know that Willow and Ryan had already met at the police station. From Juliette’s perspective, Ryan’s attention toward Willow was genuine and unmistakable.
Willow couldn’t help but admire Juliette’s imagination and let out a laugh. “With creativity like that, maybe you should write my next novel for me.”
Juliette grinned. “Aren’t you worried I’ll ruin your reputation?”
Willow just shrugged, unconcerned. “Why should I be? I’ve got enough clout now—if my reputation tanks, I’ll just retire and travel the world.”
Juliette knew Willow was joking, but she couldn’t bear to hear her idol talk about quitting writing. She protested immediately, “No way! I can’t take over your pen. I refuse to be the villain responsible for robbing the world of a sci-fi powerhouse!”
Their banter filled the room with laughter, and neither of them felt the least bit sleepy.
Outside, sunlight poured through the windows, and the cheerful songs of birds drifted in from the trees, painting a picture of perfect, tranquil days.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, the real estate agent who had just called Willow was already dialing another number.
The call was answered by Xander, who, after hearing the agent introduce himself, hurriedly brought the phone to the man sitting at the head of the private dining suite.
Beasley didn’t mind the agent seeing through him. His tone remained even. “I’ll make sure your commission reflects the extra effort. Transfer the full amount to her account.”
“Absolutely, Mr. Windsor, you can count on us!”
After ending the call, Beasley dialed another number.
It wasn’t long before word got around to Rosamund that Beasley had bought back the villa he’d given Willow in their divorce, and at a hefty price.
“Miss Worthington, what do you suppose Mr. Windsor is up to?” someone asked.
Rosamund gripped her phone tightly, standing in a shadowed corner where no one could see her. The look in her eyes was sharp enough to cut glass.

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