Chapter 49

Clara stumbled back to the shop in a daze, ignoring the multiple calls from Eugene. She saw his name flashing on the screen again and again, and the more she saw it, the more irritable she got. The night outside deepened into darkness. Just as Clara was getting ready to head home, the shop's chime rang. Reflexively, she said, "Sorry, we're closed already..." Before she could finish, a chilling laugh rang out. Clara felt her scalp tighten as she looked up—and there stood Ellie, face twisted in rage, lunging with a knife clutched in her hand! Under the lights, the blade shimmered with a cold gleam, wild and menacing. Clara was terrified. She ducked instinctively and shouted, "Ellie! You'll go to prison for murder!" "Prison? My life's already ruined! If I die, I'm taking you with me!" Ellie had fought tooth and nail to get released just so she could drag this woman down with her. Her grip on the weapon tightened, and she lunged again. Clara screamed and dodged, quickly backing up until he