「The next day.」
Around nine in the morning, Stella Sterling and Claire Shawcross, their faces puffy from a hangover, left together after breakfast.
"Miles, take us to The Gilded Orchid first."
"Yes, Miss Sterling."
Miles glanced discreetly into the rearview mirror. 'It's hard to imagine how difficult yesterday must have been to leave these two best friends looking so down and worn out.'
Both of their eyelids were swollen.
Miles made a silent mental note, then focused and started the car, heading straight for The Gilded Orchid.
On the way, Stella's phone started ringing again.
Seeing it was an unknown number, she instinctively hung up.
But the caller was persistent, seemingly determined not to give up until she answered.
Annoyed, Stella blocked the number.
Claire pried open her swollen eyelids and said reassuringly, "Don't stress. I made an appointment with the Destiny Steward for this afternoon. I'll talk to him first."
