Welcome to Paris

The black town car rolled to a smooth stop in front of an elegant Haussmann-style building, its ornate wrought-iron balconies overlooking the cobblestone streets of central Paris. Ava stared out the window, her brow furrowed in confusion. "This… can't be it."

Ryan leaned closer to the window, his breath fogging up the glass slightly. "Looks like it is. Either that or Mei hijacked someone else's address."

Ava shot him a look as Mei dramatically stepped out of the car, her scarf fluttering behind her. Harold followed, clutching a baguette under one arm and an oversized suitcase in the other. Mei turned to face them, her grin wide and mischievous.

"Welcome to your Parisian palace!" she announced, gesturing grandly at the building behind her.

"Palace?" Ava repeated, stepping out and taking in the lavish entryway framed by blooming flowers. The place looked far too luxurious for their typically chaotic travel arrangements.