Chapter 404

Adelaide's gaze drifted away for a heartbeat before snapping back. "Why does this matter to you? Friends drift apart all the time."

Evelyn leaned forward. "But childhood friends share bonds deeper than most. Something significant must have severed that connection."

A humorless smile touched Adelaide's lips. "You're imagining drama where none exists. Our lives simply took different paths."

She gestured around the modest bookstore. "Look at me - a single mother betrayed by a worthless man, barely keeping this place afloat. And her? An internationally celebrated designer living in a different universe."

"What's the point of digging up ancient history?" Adelaide's voice carried finality.

Evelyn studied her carefully. "Is that truly all there is to it?"

"Why would I lie?" Adelaide's expression remained unreadable. Then her eyes narrowed. "Your questions aren't casual. What's your real purpose here?"

Evelyn exhaled. "Ms. Montgomery, I'll be frank. We suspect the Juliette Blackwood we know isn't the real Juliette. Someone has taken her place."

Adelaide's teacup clattered against its saucer. "That's absurd! People don't get replaced like characters in some spy thriller!"

"The evidence suggests otherwise," Evelyn countered. "Blood types don't change. Design aesthetics don't transform overnight."

Adelaide's fingers tightened around her cup. "What exactly are you implying?"

"Five years ago," Evelyn pressed, "Juliette suffered horrific facial injuries in that accident. Afterward, her entire personality changed, and she cut ties with you. Doesn't that strike you as...convenient?"

Adelaide turned toward the window. "Trauma changes people. There's nothing suspicious about that."

"Then prove me wrong," Evelyn challenged. "Call her right now. Ask about a secret only the two of you shared. See if she remembers."

Adelaide stood abruptly. "This is ridiculous! I won't participate in your paranoid fantasy!" Her voice shook with unexpected vehemence. "If you have no further business here, I'll ask you to leave."

Harrison stepped forward. "One phone call could settle this, Ms. Montgomery. Surely that's not too much to ask?"

Adelaide's laugh held no humor. "There's nothing to settle! I haven't spoken to her in years - barging into her life with insane accusations?" She shook her head. "I appreciate your legal help with my custody battle, but this conversation is over."

Her hands trembled as she gathered their teacups, the unspoken message clear: they'd crossed a line she wouldn't permit. The past, whatever it held, would remain buried.