Tara didn't feel the urge to engage with Lance's steely stare; she quickly looked away. "Thank you, Mr. Swala," she said. Chapter 37 Lance lowered his eyes, concealing the intensity within his gaze, and they lapsed into silence once more. Tara could discern a subtle unease in the air, but she chose not to dwell on it... The vacation villa was about a half-hour drive from the airstrip.

Throughout the journey, Tara refrained from exploring the interior of Lance's car too much and didn't engage in conversation. A tense silence enveloped the car. "Is your hometown in Zentara?" Lance inquired, breaking the silence. Tara hadn't anticipated his question about her origins. The previous occupant of her body had indeed hailed from a small town in Zentara...

Nodding, she replied, "Yes, a small town in Zentara." Her impression of Lance was still shaped by their initial encounter in this new world... Later, during a shared moment in the art studio, he had painted a portrait of her, which she had yet to see... The most recent exchange had been that morning when Lance inquired about a particular room. The way he had scrutinized her then was reminiscent of his current gaze, evoking a sense of foreboding...

Tara dismissed her apprehensions as mere products of her imagination. Even if Lance was aloof, she doubted he harbored any ill intentions toward her... To her surprise, he assured her that she would receive a proper explanation. Despite his apparent disdain for her, he conducted himself with unwavering integrity... "Let's visit your hometown next time," Lance's pleasant voice interrupted her thoughts. Assuming his remark was a courtesy, Tara smiled. "My hometown is near the renowned Westmere.

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It's a beautiful place." In this world, there existed a Westmere, albeit different from the one in her previous life, equally breathtaking... Lance turned to observe her, silently admiring her exquisite profile. Even in the dimness of the car, her beauty shone through... Lost in reminiscence of her hometown, Tara was startled by a warm fingertip brushing against her ear. The tingling sensation felt like an electric shock to her heart...

She turned to him, flustered, only to find a sprig of dried grass in his hand... With a lowered head, she murmured, "Thank you." Perhaps the dried grass had clung to her hat, left askew since her disembarkation from the jet... A bit embarrassed, she reached out to take the dried grass, but he deftly disposed of it, leaving Tara at a loss for words... Anxiety began to creep in as they approached the vacation villa... Outside, Stella was tearful, blaming herself for not noticing Tara's absence...

Soren and Shawn had barely exited the car when they were informed that Tara had been left behind... In a foreign land, with the freezing air near the airstrip, abandoning Tara posed a significant safety risk... Expressions grew grim, Stella's cries became louder and more frantic... As thoughts raced through their minds... But before he could head back with additional bodyguards... A black luxury car pulled up in front of the villa, and Lance and Tara emerged...

Stella, still in disbelief, witnessed Tara stepping out of Lance's car. Confusion clouded her face. How could this be possible? A surge of jealousy washed over her. Why would Lance assist Tara? Tara had always showered them with affection, playing the seductress...