Autumn gave way to winter, and the school term came to a temporary close.
Before Lianne flew home for the holidays, she went to the University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute for an academic exchange.
The ways of fate are always wonderfully mysterious; in Oxford, she ran into her old university roommate, Hailey Shepherd.
Although the Shepherd Family had fallen after backing the wrong side, Hailey Shepherd was clear-headed and perceptive. She hadn't spiraled into despair and was instead pursuing a master's degree in finance at the University of Oxford.
Lianne and Hailey weren't particularly close. They didn't have a meal together, just chatted for a bit and said they should grab a bite next time they had the chance.
The first meeting was a coincidence, but to meet again would be fate. In that case, there was no harm in sharing a meal.
After Lianne returned to the country, she talked about it with Sophie Sheridan.
