Evelyn walked Stella all the way to the door. She was in a hurry, already fumbling in her coat pocket for her phone.
However, Evelyn held her shoulder firmly. "Stella, if someone calls you again like that, do not trust them," she said with a firm tone that left no room for negotiation.
"I know, Sis. I won't trust them and surely won't fall for their tricks again."
Stella puffed her cheeks, then wrapped her arms around Evelyn with surprising strength.
"Love you, sis. Text me when you get home. Bye..." She hurriedly left the room toward the hall, waving excitedly before walking out of the restaurant.
After Evelyn no longer saw Stella, she finally turned inside and closed the door.
She sat down again.
Exhaled slowly.
Her expression shifted from gentle big sister to something entirely more dangerous, a force of nature quietly simmering.
She took out her phone.
Her thumb hovered over a contact name, Oscar.
She pressed the call.
The dial tone rang once.
Twice.
