The evening settled over Vellfire City, painting the skyline in shades of amber and deep violet.
Inside the master bedroom, Clara stood before the full-length mirror, fastening a delicate pair of diamond earrings.
Her reflection looked composed.
Her black evening dress was elegant, its simple silhouette concealing the tension gathering beneath her calm expression. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, while a faint touch of lipstick completed her appearance.
Anyone looking at her would have assumed she was preparing for an ordinary evening engagement.
But tonight was anything but ordinary.
At seven o'clock, she would meet the person who claimed to know the truth about her mother's disappearance—and possibly her father's death.
A soft knock came from the doorway.
"Are you ready?"
Clara turned.
Arthur stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit. His expression was calm, but his eyes immediately examined her face.
"Almost."
