Chapter 23

In the underground parking garage, Jonathan looked visibly excited. "I never expected Ms. Lovegood to have gone through so much. I was almost misled by all that public opinion before!" In truth, he had been misled. He was simply unwilling to admit it. From the backseat, Micah spoke up. "Public opinion can bury the truth. You'll need to make your judgment more carefully in the future." He then lowered his gaze to the box in his hands. Inside, the small kingfisher shimmered with a gentle glow. "Yes, sir!" Jonathan glanced at the rearview mirror, then cautiously probed, "This is the first time I've ever seen you spend so much on jewelry, sir. Are you and Ms. Lovegood…" "It's just a chance meeting." Micah's voice was flat as he closed the box, sealing the kingfisher away. "Jonathan, book a flight back to Baleigh for tomorrow," he added. "Huh?" Jonathan froze for a second. He'd assumed Micah would stay, not leave immediately. "Ah… yes, sir!" … Back at the venue, Esther excitedly