Chapter 272. He Was Right There, Watching Her

Caitlin ran into the alleyway, her heart pounding.

ButThere was no one there.

She stood frozen, gripping the bouquet of purple hyacinths in her trembling hands.

A hollow ache spread through her chest.

Harrison, please come back.

Harrison, I don’t blame you—not at all.

She had no idea where James was hiding.

But she could feel itHe was nearby.

He hadn’t left New York.

He was simply waiting for the right moment to reveal himself again.

And Caitlin knew exactly what that moment might be.

The second half of Yun’s Aromatic Codex.

Perhaps, only when the entire codex was in her possession—only then—would Harrison come back to her.

For now, all she could do was wait.

Caitlin took one last glance at the empty alley, then turned and walked away.

From a hidden corner, James watched her retreating figure, his own heart aching.

He longed to step out, to call her name.

But he couldn’t.

Not