CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE – A SINGLE FRIEND

The morning after the tense dinner, Cassie woke early, her mind still reeling from the events of the previous night. She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Florian, and made her way to the estate's sprawling gardens. As she wandered through the meticulously maintained paths, lost in thought, a soft voice startled her. "You look like you could use a friend." Cassie turned to see a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile approaching her. She appeared to be in her early forties, with long dark hair streaked with silver. "I'm Elena," the woman said, extending her hand. "You must be Cassie." Cassie shook her hand, surprised by the woman's friendly demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Elena. How did you know who I am?" Elena chuckled. "News travels fast in a small community like ours. Especially when it involves a human guest." Cassie tensed slightly, expecting judgment, but Elena's expression remained open and kind. "Don't worry," Elena said, sensing Cassie's discomfort. "I'm not here to