Chapter 25

Cindy, Sylvan, and Celeste made their way north, stopping to explore along the route. There was no rush since Stella and Max's wedding was still weeks away. During her college years, Cindy had watched with quiet envy as her peers jetted off on adventures. With both parents gone, she was barely getting by. No matter how close she and Winter were, she could never escape the guilt of relying on her friend to cover the costs of those extravagant trips. Cindy's strength had returned steadily. At one point, they crossed into a state known for its peaks, and Sylvan insisted the three of them tackle a hike. The climb challenged them, but the world beneath them unfolded wide and clear when they reached the peak. It mirrored the way her life had unfolded these past six months. As soon as they reached Jorleston, Stella hurriedly ushered Cindy's family into the villa she and Max had bought with a loan. Max had spent years in sales at CinovaCare and, against all odds, had made something of him