a uneasy, prompting h

by then. Gwyneth cheerfully made the introduc

achment, as though meeting her for the

heart. After a pause, she

e air, creating a warm, congenial atmosphere. Meanwhile, Claudia seemed to fade into the back

ed. Vickie attempted to persuade her to stay longer, but s

who had been engrossed in conversation with Gwyneth, stood a

pulse, she urged, "It's rare for you to

portive, "Yes, why no

. Instead, he turned to Claudia, offerin

everyone's attention was on her,

her composure. With a forced s

me on, it's no big deal." He

d him outside. As she reached the yard, Gwyneth'

her voice, Gwyneth confessed, "Claudia, Eddie and I were classmates in college.

od there, d

d from Vickie you're planning to resign

a hollow smile, concealing her feelings. "I have plans

expression

n around and made a swift exit, her steps

ver her. Out of nowhere, a teasing voice interrupted her

Eddie lounging against his car, an

er voice was sharp with irritation. "Believe me, i

mocking. "Really, me? Ghosts flock to

a rolled her eyes in

chance to respond. "Co

ds Gwyneth had insinuated earlier echoed in her mind, stirring a mix of regret and

her back on him and walked away, h