The city was a different beast, devouring money at an alarming rate. Groceries, transportation, and bills cost m

d on the living room floor, col

up a drawing of a rainbow. Mallory smile

d down, placing a gentle kiss on Har

anced at the screen, Heidi's name flashing brightly

suggested, her voice full of excitement. "The salary is way bett

her. It was the opportunity she needed, a

, and it could be your ticket to financial stabi

d, her determination surging. "Thank you,

Mally. Now go out there and get it!"

erself walking through marble lobbies, greeting well-dressed guests with a professional

awned, rubbing her

mall bed, brushing a loving hand over her daughter's soft curls. She whispered a prom

s family's dangerous grasp. But no, she wouldn't let that fear hinder her progress. She'd spent too long allowing it to d

etermination burning in her

r shoulders squared and chin held high. The confidence was a façade, but she kne

wung the heavy glass door open. The scent of fresh-cut flowers and po

aced as she approached the reception desk, where a well-groome

y rode the elevator in companionable silence, stealing glances at her reflection

o-ceiling windows overlooking the city below. The sunlight cast an et

across from her desk. As they sat down, she asked a

ned, confidently detailing her responsibilities and accomplishments there. She could see Christine noddin

hat you have a strong work ethic and dedication to providin

tality is a natural fit for me," Mallory replied, feeling a surge

any questions for me?" Christine

about the hotel's cultur

the hotel's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for both gue

ecision soon, and I'll be sure to let you know how it went," C

look forward to hearing from you." With that, Mallory

amiliar sitting by the lobby. She hesitated, debating whether or not to investigate further, but ultimately d

eeling of unease. The stakes were too high for her

as already home with her as she had come to

lders. The door creaked open, revealing a small, dimly lit living room. Ha

quealed, running i

ing her daughter tightly. She needed th

ou were away." Heidi entered the room, hold

ory asked, a hint of

ched," Heidi said, handing over a ti

in anticipation. "You deserve to get the job" was all

," Heidi commented, wat

your day, Mommy," Harriet suggested

smile. Yet, deep down, she couldn't s

bit? I need to talk to Aunt Heidi," Mallory suggest

Harriet scamper

om Harris?" Heidi whispe

ng the note in her hand. "I've been so

reciates your talent," Heidi reassured her. But Mall

paced the room, her mind racing with possibilities. "I

delivered the bouquet. Maybe they can give us som

odded, taking a deep b

y made today..." Heidi spoke into the ph

t seemed like they were getting nowhere. The flowers had been ord

stration bubbling inside her. "But I hav

out Harriet. Maybe... maybe he wants to get to know you again." Heidi

as she stared at the bouquet. "But I can't

owed, determination shining in her eyes. "We

of the worst possible scenario of Harris finding out about Harriet, especially his family. Harriet is the