Chapter 101: Another Little Victory
"Alright, her car just pulled up," Anna murmured into her phone as she stood near the entrance of the coffee shop, where Violet was already seated, fully disguised as a shaman.
Contrary to what Daniel had envisioned—robes, feathers, and beads—Violet’s outfit was far more understated. While it certainly veered from her usual black-and-white work attire, it wasn’t outlandish. The only thing hinting at any spiritual inclination was the large green crystal pendant swinging gently from her neck.
Her appearance had been carefully altered—makeup, hair, the works. There was no way Anna would let Violet risk being recognized, not with what was about to unfold.
"I still can’t believe you talked me into this, Miss Dumas," Violet muttered, slipping her phone into the pocket of her flowing earth-toned dress. Her expression was a mix of annoyance and resignation.
Just then, Charlotte walked into the quiet café, herself dressed in an elaborate—if slightly comical—disguise: oversized sunglasses, a silk headscarf, and a simple but unmistakably expensive dress that gave her away instantly. Violet smirked inwardly, wondering if Anna had somehow inspired this covert trend.
"Valerie Crane?" Charlotte asked tentatively, hesitant to sit before receiving confirmation.
"Yes," Violet answered with a calm smile. "Please, have a seat."
"I was a bit surprised you’d want to meet in such a public place," Charlotte remarked cautiously, glancing around with visible unease. But the coffee shop was entirely empty at this hour—Anna had timed it perfectly.
"And I certainly didn’t expect you to be... well, a woman," Charlotte added in a hushed tone, as if even acknowledging Violet’s gender were somehow scandalous.
Violet shifted slightly in her seat, her posture poised but her jaw tightening just enough to betray her irritation. Still, she managed a practiced, polite smile. "When it comes to matters of the heart—especially those unique to women—only a female shaman can truly understand the depth of the pain they bring. As for the meeting spot... I find that public spaces tend to encourage honesty. They keep the energy clear and intentions pure."
"Aahh..." Charlotte exhaled slowly, nodding as though Violet had just shared a profound truth. Finally relaxing a little, she removed her sunglasses and set them aside on the table with careful grace.