Chapter 17: Night-Blooming Flowers

Henrik left to do some investigation of his own while I made my way inside the manor. I ran into Lauren on the way back to my room. A smile on her face broke the moment she laid eyes on me.

'How did the dance-off go?', I asked her once we caught up with each other.

'All I managed to gain was an agitated Nikolina and the attention of a bunch of pretentious men. I'm more interested to know what went down with you and the gentlemen?', Lauren practically hoped with excitement.

'Productive! We found the photographer. Or rather a photo of her, but it's still progress', I filled her in.

'Who do you think it is?', I said as I showed her the security badge. 'She doesn't look familiar.'

'I've never met her either, but we're still one step closer to unraveling the truth about this conspiracy', I tried to look at the glass half full.

'I just know you're going to figure it out soon', Lauren shared my optimism. 

'Thanks, Lauren.'