Meanwhile, Hayden said, “Ms. Gloria, Ms. Mia, Lacey is famous around here. She’s known in Bortuton for her good character and the locals love her very much. They would send her heaps of gifts during festivities.”

“Is she really all that?” Gloria was astonished.

Hayden nodded. “She’s the one who cures most of Bortuton’s ill and sick. On top of that, her charges are low and she refuses to take a penny from the poor. Her generosity is what she’s known for.”

Mya tutted and said, “I would never have guessed that such an arrogant and cold woman is actually so kind. Fine, I’ll close an eye to her flaws.”

Gloria beamed in response.

Half an hour later, Lacey led the group out of the forest. Adrian’s group spent more than an hour on their trek into the forest. With Lacy leading the way, the trek out was shortened by half an hour.

There was a pink car parked by the roadside—clearly Lacey’s car. The moment they stepped out of the forest, she said to Adrian, “We’re going to Bortuton.”

Adri