Irina's POV
"Oh, just back in town to see family," I replied casually, glancing quickly at Lauren.
Worried I might say something wrong, Lauren rushed forward to greet the woman. "Hello, I'm Irina's mom."
Something seemed off about Lauren, though the woman couldn't pinpoint exactly what. As a psychologist, she was accustomed to cracking cases by analyzing criminal minds.
Her professional instincts kicked in the moment she encountered this supposed "mother," and something felt fundamentally wrong.
When she studied Lauren's eyes, she found no warmth or maternal love for me—just a cold, calculating gleam.
"Pleasure to meet you," the woman responded courteously, giving a slight nod before turning back to me. "Which town are you returning to? We might be headed the same direction."
The woman appeared pleasant enough. With her current assignment being incredibly boring, traveling with me seemed far more appealing.
"Maplewood Town," I answered.
