Cole's POV.

I waited until Emily was fast asleep before walking down to the living room. The penthouse was quiet, just the soft hum of the central system and the occasional creak of the old hardwood floors beneath my feet. The city outside glittered through the massive glass windows, but inside, it felt calm. Almost still. For once.

I didn’t expect anyone to be awake, but there she was…Evelyn, Emily’s mother. She was seated on the edge of one of the couches, a glass of red wine in her hand. She looked up when she heard me, offering a faint smile. The same kind Emily gave when she was trying...