Chapter 0184 Chapter 0184 Not exactly .
I grimaced at the thought of Amanda and shook my head.
I dont want to vent to you about something like this .
Does it have something to do with David , though ? she asked in a hushed tone , her voice dropping as if she didnt want anyone to overhear .
Because since our last conversation about him , Ive done some digging , and its surprisingly difficult to trace his movements .
Hes definitely up to some shady stuff .
Im starting to think hes not behind everything on his own .
Hes got people helping him no doubt about it .
Thats not surprising , I said with a weary sigh .
Earlier this morning , I got a text message from Amanda .
It didnt actually say anything it was just a picture .
Somehow , she and David found out what venue wed booked for the wedding , and they stole it .
They bribed the venue to cancel our reservation and put them in our place .
Same day and everything .
( 1 Thats just low , Elizabeth said , her tone seething with anger .
What an underhanded thing to do .
Alexander seems very calm about it , I admitted .
Hes assured me that well find an even better venue , no problem .
But I dont know … We picked the best venue in the kingdom ! Where else can we go ? Its really bothering me .
Of course it is , Elizabeth said , her expression softening with understanding .
Its not just about the venue .
Its about the stalking .
I mean , how did they even find out about it ? I have no idea .
I wonder … Elizabeth trailed off , her voice thoughtful .
Wonder what ? I asked , my curiosity piqued .
I watched as her brow furrowed , her lips pressing together in deep thought .
She was silent for a moment longer before she turned to me , her expression unusually serious .
Could Amanda be the brains behind the operation ? she asked finally .
Do you think its possible that shes the one pulling the strings ? My mind flashed back to the original timeline Amandas mocking voice , the cold , cruel way shed forced the poison down my throat.
Her merciless demeanor had left scars that time could never fully erase .
She was as cold hearted as they came , and it wouldnt surprise me if she was orchestrating everything alongside David , or even taking the lead .
Its possible , I said , my lip curling in disgust as I tried to shake off the haunting memories .
The thought of Amandas icy smile made my stomach churn .
I wouldnt put anything past her .
Ill start looking into her as well , Elizabeth said with determination , her voice steady and resolute .
I promise you , Ella theyre not going to get away with all of this .
There has to be a way to prove what theyve done , and Id bet theres even more going on than we know about right now .
Youre probably right , I agreed , my tone heavy with unease .
Weve been lucky so far that no ones gotten seriously hurt .
But if we dont stop them , its only a matter of time before something worse happens .
I agree , she said , her jaw tightening in shared concern .
A heavy silence fell between us as we continued weaving through the bustling shopping center .
I could hear James following closely behind , his footsteps light but always present .
I wondered how much of our conversation hed overheard .
He always tried to give Elizabeth and me space when we were together , doing his best not to eavesdrop .
But given the situation , staying close was part of his job .
1/2 Chapter 0184 +25 BONUS Not that I minded .
James was discreet , loyal , and trustworthy .
If hed overheard everything , it wouldnt change anything Alexander was already aware of the situation , and I trusted James implicitly .
Still , it was a relief to have Elizabeth on my side .
I could see how angry she was on my behalf , and her resolve gave me a sense of hope .
Between her and Alexander , I was confident wed eventually uncover the truth .
But the sinking feeling in my gut refused to go away .
Something told me Amanda and David were up to far more than we realized .
The uncertainty gnawed at me , leaving me sick with worry .
Now , about a gift for Alexander , Elizabeth said suddenly , her cheerful tone breaking through the tension .
I blinked and looked up , startled by the sudden shift .
She had turned around to face James , a bright smile lighting her features .
Were going to need your help figuring out exactly what to get him , she declared .
James glanced between Elizabeth and me , a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the concerned furrow in his brow .
I could see the wheels turning in his mind he was always calculating , always looking out for me , and it only reinforced how much I valued having him here .
Even with the nagging unease this mornings events had caused , I knew Id made the right decision to come today .
Being surrounded by people I trusted , people who genuinely cared about my safety and well being , was a balm to my frayed nerves .
Elizabeth linked her arm with mine , giving me a reassuring squeeze as we continued toward the next store .
Dont worry , Ella , she said with a mischievous grin .
By the time were done , Alexanders going to have the perfect gift .
He wont know what hit him .
Her lighthearted tone made me laugh , if only for a moment , and I let myself focus on the simple joy of spending time with friends .
For now , that would have to be enough .

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