Chapter 70

• Esther sat at her polished oak desk, the afternoon sun spilling through the tall windows of her office and casting a warm glow over the carefully arranged workspace. The walls were adorned with tasteful art and framed photographs of her and Damien, capturing some of their happiest moments together. Today, however, her focus lay elsewhere as she scrolled through her phone, a small smirk forming at the corners of her lips.
• Charlotte’s name flashed across her screen, the call request flickering with a resolve that brought a measure of satisfaction to Esther. It had been weeks since Damien had mentioned his friend, and Esther had sensed the growing distance between them. She had her suspicions about the nature of Charlotte and Damien’s relationship, but now that she had taken matters into her own hands, it seemed clarity was finally emerging.
• As she accepted the call, she straightened her posture, letting the soft fabric of her blouse smooth against her skin. "Charlotte," she said, her voice warm yet calculated. "It's good to hear from you."