Chapter 49

• Avery and Bryan fixate silently on her face, openly staring, leading her to retreat entirely behind Glenda to shield herself from their intense scrutiny. She likely appears as vulnerable as a startled kitten, grappling with being out of her depth. Over the time spent with Leon these past two years, one thing has become increasingly evident: his authoritative aura, causing her to crumple like wet paper in the wind.
• "Amnesia? Intentional concealment? Regardless of the reason, don't try to convince me it's not her. I can recognize her. Her walk, gestures, voice, mannerisms—they all reveal her true identity. You think I wouldn't recognize the woman I grew up with and married? I've shared my life with her. And that..." He leans in, gesturing to her shoulder, momentarily leaving her confused, uncertain of his implication. Checking her dress in a panic, she worries that her necklace may be visible, before realizing it remains concealed—a habit she silently curses.
• "What?" Glenda turns to give her a once-over, finding nothing amiss. "All because of a dress?"