Chapter 18

Six months later, at a seaside bakery in southern Ecxon, Quinley took off her apron and carefully packed away the leftover baking ingredients before locking up the shop. She began her usual walk home along the coast. Unlike Juleern, the weather here wasn't constantly damp with rain. The sun shone bright most days, lemon trees thrived, and even the sea felt warmer in a place like this. She had been there for half a year now. She had gotten used to the climate and the pace of life. Her eyesight had fully recovered, and she had found herself a job as a pastry chef. About a month ago, the café owner mentioned wanting to sell the place. She and a coworker partnered up and took it over. Now she was half a boss herself. Life moved forward steadily and peacefully. However, that evening on her walk home, she received an unexpected text from Daryl. "Quinley, you might want to be prepared. Gary spent a fortune and hired a private investigator overseas. He might actually find you." To be hone