Zoey’s heart slammed violently against her chest.

Daniel stood at the doorway.

Watching her.

Silent.

Deadly calm.

For a moment, the world seemed to freeze. The air grew thick, suffocating, pressing against her lungs as if even breathing was dangerous.

How long has he been there?

Her fingers trembled slightly as she forced herself to turn fully toward him.

“I… I was checking on the kids,” she said, her voice softer than she intended.

Daniel didn’t move.

Didn’t blink.

Didn’t react.

He just stood there, his eyes locked onto hers like he was peeling her apart layer by layer.

“They’re asleep,” he said finally.

“I know,” Zoey replied quickly. “I...