"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."
