he read a ton of calls and messages from her mother, each one more anxious than the last. She couldn't face her yet. Izalea

.

I called Belle to ask her for help with groceries and break

stop," I muttered, feeli

ily. "Why aren't you answering your calls

finally awake. You w

ok her head. "I don't b

other," I explaine

hat we've been friends for over ten years, went to college

I felt the pressure of her words. "Co

e both busy with shoots and constantly traveling, but never meeting her? It just isn

voiding the topic. "You are overthinking this. I sh

ht my attention. Something I couldn't

g if I knew about your family. They were diggi

y, my heart racing. "W

ou insist at the agency that your biography should omit

ecoming even sterner.

can't involve anyone in thi

ea, look around, everyone is involved now. The publ

avered as I struggle

en you won't even tell me who you are?

nse came out sharper than intended.

t now?" she shot back, annoyance flashing in her eyes. "I've tried my best to keep yo

like a plea. "Who is she? Why are you hiding

mmediately, "

n the photos circulating online... the one every

ut the name, almost as if it we

er tone, but I pushed back. "Jasmine, please, just

thick with frustration. "Why

ce. "The same Izalea Benson you've always known as you

ay have done surgery and maybe t

blowing this out of proportion, you've known

into my voice. "I just need to know if

es. "You won't answer any of my questi

name, eyes wide, the plea

then exhaled sharply, exasperation

didn't say anyt

nod as I prepared to step out of the room, feeli

e phone, a mix of annoyance and concern. "Jazlyn! Why haven't you been answering my calls? You'd rat

, Mom," I lied, hopi

the news. About your

ring what to sa

hink it's high time

pectations. "I understand, Mom. I

me home, honey," she s

asmine is here with me; everyt

t Jasmine's suspicions cause I

u never listen to me. I've told you that

not now," I sa

first? Really? And here I was wor

but I'm fine and I'll come over

cated black car was parked across the street, its occupants sta

hanging up. I rushed back to my bedroom. "J

up, worried. "W

e. I believe they are

ze widened.

oice increasing in panic. "But I

ang, startling us both. W

at be?" Jasmi

intimidating man clothed entirely in a black suit stood at my front door. He exuded authority. My hand quivere

did he want? As the questions swirle

anaged to say, jus

We have a few inquiries concerning your recent activities," he said, his voi

BI? What could they possibly want from me? My eyes wi

came behind me, her expression filled w

adn't expected to see Ms. Buckler here." He hesitated, his gaze narrowing slightly. "I'd l

ent Carter in. I gestured for him to follow me into the living room. We sat on t

r?" I asked, my voice steady bu

the door. "Hey! I've got the food, and groceries." Belle's happy voic

table glance before getting up to

f bags, Belle walked

on from the stretched silence. She paused to take in the sight, her gaze

ot interrupti

anor. "Belle, this is Agent Carter," I continued, acknowledging the

er jeans before offering one to Agent Carter. "Nice to meet you, Agent C

ice to meet you, Belle." "Well, just routine for the time being," he

, hoping to lighten the mood while maintaining her composure even if she was still a litt

of the situation,

ms on the kitchen counter, moving a little more slowly. The seriousne