A Mansion for His New Love

Elara Vance dabbed her lips with a napkin, concluding her quiet lunch at Cafe Lumière. The restaurant's ambient lighting and subdued chatter had been a welcome distraction from her thoughts. Her phone buzzed just as she signaled for the check.

Chloe's name flashed across the screen.

"Hey," Elara answered, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder as she sorted through her wallet.

"El," Chloe's voice sounded tight with tension. "Are you busy right now? I need a huge favor."

"What's wrong?" Elara immediately noticed the stress in her friend's voice.

"I'm at Yorkshire Garden. Been house-hunting all day and my feet are killing me. My agent just bailed, and I've got no ride home. Could you possibly..."

Elara glanced at her watch. "Sure. I just finished lunch. I can be there in twenty minutes."

"You're a lifesaver," Chloe sighed with relief. "I'll wait in the main lobby."