Mallory's fingers tapped against the worn kitchen counter as she calculated their monthly expenses in her head. The city was a different beast, devouring money at an alarming rate. Groceries, transportation, and bills cost more here than they ever did in St. David. And she has yet to get an email or call from the hotel she applied to.

She glanced at Harriet, sprawled on the living room floor, coloring with intense concentration.

"Mommy, look!" Harriet exclaimed, holding up a drawing of a rainbow. Mallory smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Beautiful, sweetheart." She crouched down, placing a gentle kiss on Harriet's forehead. "You're so talented."

Mallory's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen, Heidi's name flashing brightly. Her heart raced as she answered. "Hey, what's up?"

"Mally, I saw a job posting that might be perfect for you," Heidi suggested, her voice full of excitement. "The salary is way better than those cheap hotels you used to work at in the small town."

"Really?" Mallory asked, hope flared within her. It was the opportunity she needed, a chance to provide a better life for Harriet.

"Yeah, trust me, girl. You've got the experience, and it could be your ticket to financial stability," Heidi pressed, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Okay, I'll give it a shot," Mallory agreed, her determination surging. "Thank you, Heidi. You always know how to cheer me up."

"Of course! You deserve a better job, Mally. Now go out there and get it!" Heidi cheered before ending the call.

Mallory spent the evening preparing for her interview the following day. She imagined herself walking through marble lobbies, greeting well-dressed guests with a professional smile. It was a far cry from the dimly lit, cramped hotels she had previously worked at.

"Mommy," Harriet yawned, rubbing her eyes. "I'm sleepy."

"Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you ready for bed." Mallory tucked Harriet into her small bed, brushing a loving hand over her daughter's soft curls. She whispered a promise to make their lives better, to protect Harriet from the darkness that haunted them.

As she lay in bed that night, Mallory couldn't help but wonder if this opportunity would lead her back into Harris and his family's dangerous grasp. But no, she wouldn't let that fear hinder her progress. She'd spent too long allowing it to dictate her life. Mallory knew that taking this chance was worth the risk if only to give Harriet the future she deserved.

"Tomorrow," she whispered, determination burning in her chest, "everything changes."

The following morning, Mallory strode into the newly opened luxury hotel with her shoulders squared and chin held high. The confidence was a façade, but she knew it would help her make a good impression. She couldn't afford any missteps now.

"Welcome to The Azure Oasis," a uniformed bellboy greeted her as he swung the heavy glass door open. The scent of fresh-cut flowers and polished marble filled her nostrils, reminding her how much was at stake.

"Thank you," she replied, forcing a genuine smile. Her heart raced as she approached the reception desk, where a well-groomed woman in her late thirties stood with a welcoming expression.

The receptionist gave directions to the hiring manager's office. And then Mallory rode the elevator in companionable silence, stealing glances at her reflection in the mirrored walls. For once, she felt like she truly belonged in this place.

She reached the hiring Manager's office, a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city below. The sunlight cast an ethereal glow on the plush white furniture and gleaming hardwood floors.

"Please, have a seat," Christine gestured to a chair across from her desk. As they sat down, she asked about Mallory's previous experience working in hotels.

"Most recently, I worked as a receptionist at a small family-owned hotel in a rural town," Mallory explained, confidently detailing her responsibilities and accomplishments there. She could see Christine nodding approvingly as she continued, discussing her ability to handle demanding guests and manage crises calmly.

"Your experience is quite impressive, Mallory. It's clear that you have a strong work ethic and dedication to providing excellent customer service," Christine said with a smile.

"Thank you, I genuinely enjoy helping people, so working in hospitality is a natural fit for me," Mallory replied, feeling a surge of hope as she saw the positive reaction from the hiring manager.

"Before we wrap up, do you have any questions for me?" Christine asked, her gaze genuine and warm.

"Could you tell me more about the hotel's culture and what sets it apart?"

"Of course," Christine answered, launching into a detailed explanation of the hotel's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for both guests and employees. By the end, Mallory was even more eager to join the team.

"Thank you so much for your time, Mallory. We'll be making a decision soon, and I'll be sure to let you know how it went," Christine assured her, standing up and extending her hand again.

"Thank you, Christine. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you." With that, Mallory exited the office, feeling lighter than she had in years.

As she made her way through the lobby, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted someone who looked vaguely familiar sitting by the lobby. She hesitated, debating whether or not to investigate further, but ultimately decided against it. Her mind raced with thoughts of Harriet waiting for her, and she couldn't afford to linger.

"Focus, Mallory," she whispered, shaking off the feeling of unease. The stakes were too high for her to let anything – or anyone – derail her progress.

On her way home, Heidi texted that Harriet was already home with her as she had come to visit them and get Harriet from Mrs. Johnson.

Mallory returned to her mother's house, the day's weight heavy on her shoulders. The door creaked open, revealing a small, dimly lit living room. Harriet's laughter echoed from the kitchen, where Heidi was preparing dinner.

"Mommy!" Harriet squealed, running into Mallory's arms.

"Hey, sweetheart," Mallory smiled, hugging her daughter tightly. She needed that hug more than ever after a long day.

"Look what the delivery man brought while you were away." Heidi entered the room, holding an exquisite bouquet of roses and lilies.

"Who's it from?" Mallory asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Didn't say. Just had this note attached," Heidi said, handing over a tiny envelope with elegant handwriting.

Mallory hesitated before opening it, her heart pounding in anticipation. "You deserve to get the job" was all it read. There was no indication of who sent it or why.

"Wow, that's mysterious," Heidi commented, watching Mallory's reaction.

"Maybe they just wanted to brighten your day, Mommy," Harriet suggested innocently, tugging at Mallory's arm.

"Could be," Mallory replied, forcing a smile. Yet, deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"Harriet, why don't you go play in your room for a bit? I need to talk to Aunt Heidi," Mallory suggested, gently guiding her daughter toward the hallway.

"Okay, Mommy!" Harriet scampered off happily.

"Are you worried it's from Harris?" Heidi whispered once they were alone.

"Terrified," Mallory admitted, clutching the note in her hand. "I've been so careful. How could he have found me?"

"Maybe it's not him. Maybe it's just someone who appreciates your talent," Heidi reassured her. But Mallory's fear was contagious, and Heidi's voice wavered.

"Either way, I need to find out who sent this." Mallory paced the room, her mind racing with possibilities. "I can't risk Harris finding out about Harriet. Not yet."

"Okay, let's start by calling the flower shop that delivered the bouquet. Maybe they can give us some information," Heidi suggested, grabbing her phone.

"Good idea." Mallory nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"Hello? Yes, I'm calling about a delivery made today..." Heidi spoke into the phone, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Mallory listened intently as Heidi questioned the employee, but it seemed like they were getting nowhere. The flowers had been ordered online, and the sender wanted to leave the name off the card.

"Could be anyone," Mallory muttered, frustration bubbling inside her. "But I have to consider the possibility it's him."

"Look, if it is Harris, he hasn't shown signs that he already knows about Harriet. Maybe... maybe he wants to get to know you again." Heidi said hesitantly, knowing the suggestion might not sit well with Mallory.

"Maybe," Mallory allowed, her eyes distant as she stared at the bouquet. "But I can't take that chance. Not until I know for sure."

"Then we'll figure it out together," Heidi vowed, determination shining in her eyes. "We'll keep Harriet safe and solve this mystery."

"Thank you," Mallory whispered, leaning on her best friend for support. Yet she couldn't shake the thought of the worst possible scenario of Harris finding out about Harriet, especially his family. Harriet is their own flesh and blood. They could get Harriet effortlessly if they wanted with their money and influence.