Chapter 23

Lance and Sylvie returned to Presworth. They stopped in front of a lavish, stunning villa. Vibrant, blooming roses lined the entrance, enhancing the charm of the two-story home. The villa's door slowly opened, and a woman wearing a Cravonian-style dress stepped outside. Lance's mother, Rita Blythe, smiled and took Sylvie's hand. "We finally get to meet you, Sylvie. The whole family's been curious about the woman Lance won't stop talking about, and now we get to see you in person." Rita slid the emerald bracelet off her wrist and onto Sylvie's. "Now that I've met you, I can't help but like you too." "Come in!" she said, excitedly pulling Sylvie inside. "Oh no, the food's still on the stove!" With a laugh, Rita tapped her forehead and hurried off. A mountain dog—Donut—came running over at the sound and started circling Sylvie excitedly. Then, he obediently lay before her, placing one large paw on her shoe. Donut kept sniffing her fingers before suddenly jumping into her arms affec