Chapter 24: Familiar Scent
"Goodness, Ms. Dumas, that was almost a disaster!" Violet huffed as she helped Anna into her chair before taking a seat across from her at the restaurant table.
After that unsettling encounter with Susanne, Violet had practically dragged Anna away from the Art Corner, leading her to the nearest restaurant as a safe haven.
She had seen the way Anna’s face had drained of color, how her posture had stiffened under the weight of old wounds being ripped open. When Violet suggested returning to the hospital, Anna refused, asking instead for a moment to breathe.
Now, as the waiter approached with menus and filled their glasses with water, Anna finally let out a heavy exhale—as if she had been holding her breath this entire time.
"This is a test," Violet said, nudging the cool glass into Anna’s hand. "No matter where you are or who you’re with, you are Chloe Dumas. You don’t know anyone connected to Anna Hyde. They mean nothing to you."
Anna nodded slowly, then tipped the glass back, nearly draining its contents in a single gulp. "I know. I’m sorry. I just... wasn’t ready to face my sister-in-law so soon."
"She is no longer your sister-in-law," Violet corrected, her tone firm yet not unkind. She lifted a hand to signal the waiter, then continued, "I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it’s my job to make sure you stay in character. Mr. Stark entrusted me with this, and I can’t afford to let him down. I follow his orders."
Anna sighed, pressing her lips together before forcing a small, grateful smile. "I understand. I’ll do better, I promise."
Even after Violet placed their food orders, Anna remained quiet, the weight of her mistake settling heavily on her shoulders. She had barely stepped into her new identity, and already, she had slipped up. A single moment of hesitation—one crack in her armor—and now, she couldn’t stop wondering what William would do once he found out.