It had been an exceptionally grueling week for Larissa as Jasper's behavior towards her had turned noticeably frosty. He maintained a demeanor that to an outsider might resemble mere professional detachment, yet Larissa understood it was much more personal and harsh. This coldness weighed heavily on her, making each workday feel longer and more strenuous than usual. Additionally, the enigma surrounding Megan continued to elude her. She was no closer to uncovering who Megan really was or deciphering the intentions behind her actions. This lack of progress gnawed at her, fueling a mix of anger and confusion that she found difficult to shake off.
Feeling suffocated by the mounting pressures at work and her stagnant personal investigations, Larissa realized she desperately needed a break from
