Winnie adjusted her coat as she stepped into the psychological ward for her regular session. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, but she had grown used to it by now. With her clipboard in hand, she went through the usual security check, giving the guards her best professional smile. The routine was second nature at this point, but her heart still thudded a little harder every time she walked through those doors. Today, her schedule was packed, but she couldn't help feeling a slight pull toward one of her most intriguing patients-Lisa Thompson. But more like the mission that she was assigned to.

After her last session with Lisa, she couldn't help but feel like there was something more about her but Lisa is good at hiding things, and that makes Winnie curious. Sometimes, she is cheerful, sometimes she can be scary and more emotional than Winnie tends to find out. She couldn't help but think that maybe...maybe Lisa had a mental problem without her noticing, but she is still in denial.

Either way, Winnie knew she had to tread carefully.noveldrama

As Winnie made her way through the ward, she passed the gym and spotted Lisa there, lifting small weights with surprising determination. The sight made Winnie pause. Lisa, in her loose workout clothes, didn't look like someone burdened by the past she claimed to have left behind.

"Dr. Johnson," Lisa greeted, noticing her hovering. She put the weights down and gave Winnie a half-smile. "Didn't think I'd see you in here. I thought we didn't have any session today?"

Winnie smiled back, stepping closer. "Just checking in on my favorite patient and I reschedule for tomorrow's session to be today since I have some personal matters to attend to. I apologize for not informing you beforehand." "Of course, it's fine."

Winnie looked around the gym. "Didn't know you were such a gym enthusiast."

Lisa snorted. "Yeah, well, it's either this or staring at the walls. The treadmill's less judgmental." She wiped her forehead with a towel and gestured for Winnie to sit on the bench nearby. "So, what's our schedule for today? Are you going to ask me tons of questions again?" "Not at all although that is still part of my job," Winnie said lightly, sitting down. "I'm just curious about how you're doing. It looks like you are doing well. I hope you are not having another fight with the patient." She added with a slight chuckle.

Lisa shrugged. "As long as they didn't start it. Then I'm fine with it." she leaned back, crossing her arms. "How I'm doing, huh? Same as usual. Lifting weights, attending sessions with the other patient, and counting the days until...well, you know. Freedom." Winnie chuckled softly. "Freedom, huh? And what will you do with all that freedom once you have it?"

Lisa shrugged, her expression turning pensive. "Haven't really thought about it. Probably just keep my head down, get a job, and stay out of trouble. The usual ex-patient success story, right?"

Winnie tilted her head, studying Lisa carefully. "You're smarter than most people give you credit for, Lisa. I hope you know that."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "Flattery, Dr. Johnson? That's not very professional."

Winnie laughed, shaking her head. "Just being honest. Now, tell me have you had any visitors lately?"

Lisa's smile faltered slightly, and she gave Winnie a curious look. "Why do you want to know?"

"It's part of my job," Winnie said smoothly, keeping her tone light despite the unease bubbling under the surface. "I need to keep tabs on everyone you're interacting with to make sure it's all...helpful to your recovery."

Lisa rolled her eyes and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Well, sorry to disappoint, but no. No visitors. No one's lining up to see me, Doc. Never have, never will."

Winnie frowned, masking her concern with a neutral expression. "Are you sure? No family or old friends stopping by?"

Lisa shook her head firmly. "Nope. Just me, myself, and the occasional chat with you lovely folks."

Winnie nodded, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off her pants. "Alright, Lisa. Let's take a walk. I think the garden will do us both some good."

The two strolled through the ward's modest garden, chatting about mundane topics-Lisa's routine, her progress and the occasional jabat the cafeteria food. Lisa seemed relaxed, but Winnie couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

When their session ended, Winnie saw Lisa off with a friendly wave and made her way to the entrance. She had planned to leave right after, but a nagging thought tugged at her. Lisa claimed she hadn't had any visitors, but something about her demeanor didn't sit right. It was like she was holding something back.

Unable to ignore her instincts, Winnie approached the front desk. A receptionist, a young woman with a bright smile, looked up from her computer.

"Dr. Johnson," the receptionist greeted politely. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes, actually," Winnie replied, putting on her best professional tone. "I wanted to check if Lisa Thompson has had any visitors recently. It's just a follow-up for her file."

The receptionist's smile faltered, and she gave Winnie a slightly skeptical look. "Visitors? May I ask why you're asking?"

"I'm her doctor," Winnie explained smoothly. "It's part of my job to keep tabs on who she's interacting with, just to make sure there's nothing that might disrupt her progress."

The receptionist seemed to accept this explanation and flipped open the guest log. "Let's see... Lisa Thompson, you said? Ah, here we go."

Winnie leaned in slightly as the receptionist scanned the entries. "It looks like she's had one visitor. The same person came twice." Winnie's heart skipped a beat. "Who was it?"

The receptionist glanced down at the log. "A woman by the name of Evelyn."

Evelyn. Winnie made a mental note of the name, nodding slowly. "Thank you. That's very helpful."

The receptionist smiled politely. "Of course. Anything else?"

"No, that's all," Winnie said, turning to leave.

As she stepped outside, the cool air

hit her face, but it didn't do much to calm her racing thoughts. Evelyn. Who was she, and why was she visiting Lisa? Why does Lisa keep saying that no one has visited her? Something about this didn't add up.

But why did Lisa lie to her? Not once but twice? Winnie couldn't help but feel curious, wanting to know who this was, Evelyn.

Winnie walked to her car, her mind buzzing with questions. She would have to report this to Claire immediately. Claire would be thrilled to find out new information about Lisa who seems to be hiding a secret.

She pulled out her phone and dialed Claire's number, but it went to voicemail. It looks like she needs to visit Cryptonic to see her and report this personally, but she decided to ask if Claire is available as she sent her a text. After all, she is Claire Peterson one of the most successful businesswomen in the world.

Winnie: Are you available? Found new information about Lisa Thompson.

"Let's see what Ms. Peterson has to say in this."