Episode 67

The air in Liam’s safe house was thick with the scent of old paper and a faint, lingering aroma of coffee. Elara traced the spines of books lining the shelves, a nervous energy thrumming beneath her skin. The "betrayal" episode had left her reeling, the realization that Mrs. Gable, her seemingly loyal housekeeper, had been Julian’s eyes and ears, a bitter pill to swallow. Liam, his presence a steady anchor in the storm, sat across from her, his gaze thoughtful.

"He played us, Elara," Liam said, his voice low and steady. "He anticipated our move. Mrs. Gable was his insurance."

Elara nodded, her throat tight. "I… I trusted her. I confided in her." The memory of their shared cups of tea, Mrs. Gable’s gentle advice, felt like a cruel mockery now.