Meanwhile, instead of heading to his company, Holden navigated his luxury car downtown, following the address Shawn had uncovered while tracing the origin of the bridal gown parcel.

He came to a halt on a sleepy, tree-lined street, where old stone row houses overlooked the glittering river. It was a quaint corner of the original city, in stark contrast to the gleaming high-rises looming in the distance.

Following the address, Holden easily spotted the shabby storefront, its faded lettering labeling it a tailor shop. Dust coated the windows, and the paint on the door was peeling.

As Holden stood scrutinizing the exterior, the door of the adjacent snack shop tinkled open. An older woman emerged, laden with bags, her eyes widening as she spotted him.

Bustling over, she appeared surprised but greeted him warmly, “My word, you've returned! It's been four or five years since your last visit here, right?"

Taken aback, Holden couldn't recall ever being there but smoothly composed himself.

"You're right; it has been quite a while. Has anything major happened around here over the past few years?"

"Not that I can think of," the woman replied with a gentle shake of her head.

Holden inquired, "Did I once visit here a lot in the past?"

"You'd appear on those appointed days. Don't you recall? You used to come here annually for Lilyana to craft your clothes. The last time was for a wedding gown. Oh, that gown was breathtaking - I caught a glimpse after she finished it."

Upon hearing this, Holden felt an unsettling unease. With caution, he posed another question, “When I came to order the dress, did I bring anyone with me?"

The woman paused, perplexed by the oddity of his query, as he should know if he came alone or not.

Upon scrutinizing Holden once more, she confirmed that he remained the same courteous young man as before. With an apologetic shake of her head, she gracefully replied, "I'm afraid I don't recall."

Holden, choosing not to press further, simply inquired, "Do you happen to know when the tailor shop opens?"

The woman sighed with regret.

"You should have come some time earlier, dear. Lilyana succumbed to illness last month. Her children aren't skilled tailors themselves, so I doubt they'll be reopening the shop."

Upon hearing this, Holden experienced an unexpected pang of sorrow.

Just then, he noticed a man hurriedly approaching down the street.

“What a coincidence - that's her son now. You can ask him anything else you need," the woman kindly offered.

Holden paused appreciatively outside the tailor shop, anticipating the meeting with the shop owner.