ETHAN'S POV

The warm, comforting scent of crispy chicken and freshly fried chips drifted through the hallway, seeping into every corner of the house. Elena’s favorite. I had instructed Rosa and the chefs to make sure today’s lunch was perfect, just the way she liked it. After all, it had been days since she had a proper meal here, in her real home.

In the back of my mind, I could already picture her small face lighting up when she tasted her favorite dish. Lauren might think she’s capable, but I had no doubt Elena had been eating tasteless food and barely getting by these past days. I knew Lauren,...