Lance

“Annabelle has been uneasy,” Lemuel began, his eyes fixed on the coffee cup in his hands. “Alice doesn’t really tell her where she works or what part-time jobs she takes.”

He let out a quiet sigh before continuing. “I can’t bring her into the company yet. We can’t afford it for now. But… I know you can.”

I swallowed, then released a long breath—one that felt like a heavy stone had suddenly been lifted off my chest. The kind that leaves you almost dizzy with relief.

I thought it was something else.

I thought he had found out about Alice and me.

That I had almost been caught.

That...