Chapter 32

Jenny POV:

Finally, we reached the summit of Ember Mountain, and I couldn't contain my excitement. I took pictures and made videos of myself, grinning from ear to ear. "This view is insane!" I shouted, my voice carried away by the wind.

Aunt Cathy nodded, her eyes shining with fatigue. "Yes, let's rest for a while. I'm so exhausted." She sat down on the rocky floor, her back against a boulder.

Dad and I followed suit, removing our backpacks and laying them down beside us. I closed my eyes, feeling the warm sun on my face and the cool breeze rustling my hair. "Hmmm, this is the feeling," I sighed, letting out a contented breath.

Aunt Cathy smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Anyone who comes up here leaves in a different way. That's why I've been willing to come up here with you, so we both can experience that."

Dad chuckled. "Don't forget me, Cathy. I'm the one who carried the heavy bags."

We camped on the mountain that night, huddled around a small fire, munching on sandwiches and fruit. The stars twinkled above, and the sound of crickets lulled us to sleep.

The next morning, we made our way back down, our legs aching but our spirits high. We arrived home in the afternoon, and I headed straight for the bathroom to shower off the dirt and sweat.

Wrapped in a towel, I changed into a short gown and sat down on the bed, sending pictures and videos to Tasha. I laid down, covering myself with a duvet, and drifted off to sleep, the memory of Ember Mountain still fresh in my mind.

I woke up to my dad's gentle shake. "I need to talk to you," he said, his voice low and serious.

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "I'm all ears," I replied, my voice still husky from sleep.

"Judy, our neighbor, told us a rich girl came looking for you. Do you have a friend who's wealthy?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

I thought for a moment before responding. "It might be Annie. I didn't tell her I had left the city. How would she know?" I wondered aloud.

"Yes, I have a friend named Annie," I admitted.

"Okay. She's coming tomorrow, so get prepared to welcome her," my dad said, his tone firm but calm.

Alex POV:

I sat in first class, my laptop open in front of me as I worked. The flight attendant approached, offering me a warm smile. "Beef Wellington, sir, accompanied by red wine, buttery mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables."

"Thanks," I replied, my tone calm and detached, as I accepted the dish.

I set my laptop aside and took a bite of the tender beef, savoring the rich flavors. My phone rang, breaking the silence. I saw my dad's name on the screen and answered, "Buenas noches, papá." (Good evening, Dad.)

"Cómo estás?" (How are you?) he asked, his voice warm with concern.

"Estoy bien," (I'm fine) I replied, my tone even and heartless.

"Dónde estás ahora?" (Where are you now?) he asked.

"Todavía estoy en el avión," (I'm still on the plane) I said, my voice devoid of emotion.

"De acuerdo," (Okay) he said, before ending the call with a brief "Adiós." (Bye)

I continued eating, my focus returning to my meal and the work on my laptop.