“Alright then, bye-bye!” The sweet, playful voice on the other end disconnected with a click.

Felicia stared at her phone’s call log for a moment, her grip tightening before she pocketed it. Taking a deep breath, she straightened and strode purposefully toward the airport exit.

Behind her, the four men assigned by Maurice followed at a discreet distance. Ordered to protect her, but not to hover, they kept to the shadows, maintaining a watchful presence without intruding or revealing their identities.

Felicia ignored them, flagging a cab and heading straight for her apartment.

Pulling up to the familiar building, she saw Carmen pacing anxiously at the entrance. The moment Carmen saw Felicia emerge, her face lit up with relief.

“You’re back!” Carmen rushed forward, quickly assessing Felicia’s condition. A long sigh of relief escaped her only when she was satisfied. “Thank God, you’re okay! That’s all that matters!”

Rummaging through her bag, Carmen began talking, eventually producing a small bundle of dried herbs. She gently brushed Felicia’s left shoulder with it, muttering, “Bad vibes, be gone. Negative energy, get lost!”

Felicia, caught off guard, didn't resist, allowing Carmen to complete her ritual. Afterwards, Carmen retrieved a small, handmade fabric pouch from her bag—uneven stitches and mismatched fabric evident.

Handing it to Felicia with a serious expression, she said, “Here, keep this with you. Carry it in your pocket or bag, everywhere except the shower. It’s for good vibes, to keep bad luck away!”

The pouch, filled with lavender and rosemary, emitted a calming scent. It felt oddly comforting in Felicia’s hand.

“Alright,” she said with a smile. “I’ll keep it on me.”

Carmen beamed. Together, they headed upstairs.

Back in the apartment, Felicia immediately noticed its spotless condition. The floors gleamed, and the air smelled faintly of disinfectant.

“I’ve been staying here since you went missing,” Carmen explained sheepishly. “I didn’t know what else to do, so I just kept cleaning, waiting for news. I’m so glad you’re back, Felicia. Otherwise, I would’ve felt guilty for life. I was so scared something bad had happened.”

Felicia handed Carmen a glass of water and patted her shoulder.

“You’ve got nothing to feel guilty about,” she said firmly. “What happened wasn’t your fault. If anything, I’m the one who dragged you into my mess. Leaving that day was the right call.”

Carmen’s expression softened, but the guilt lingered. “What happened, anyway?” she asked hesitantly. “Where did they take you? Was it… Kayla?”

Felicia shook her head, deciding to shield Carmen from the complexities involving Maurice.

“No,” she said lightly. “It wasn’t like that. Someone just wanted my attention. They’re… not exactly stable, so they used some unconventional methods.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie; in Felicia’s opinion, Maurice was indeed unstable.

Carmen blinked, then broke into a relieved smile. “Well, as long as you’re okay. To celebrate, I’m treating you to stew tonight!”

Felicia chuckled softly. The thought of stew reminded her of their plans after their hike—plans derailed by her kidnapping. But tonight wasn’t the time.

“Let’s do it tomorrow,” Felicia said. “I need to stop by the Walsh residence today.”

“Alright, but it’s on me tomorrow!” Carmen declared, lifting her chin playfully.

Felicia threw up her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, fine! I’ll make sure to eat enough to put you out of business.”

“Sure!” Carmen laughed, walking Felicia to the door. As she opened it, her smile faltered. “Do you want me to go with you?”

“No need,” Felicia said reassuringly, stepping out.

She hailed another cab, heading toward the Walsh residence. But upon arrival, she understood Carmen’s hesitation. The tension was palpable; her unwelcome presence was immediately evident.