Stanley’s POV

Chloe’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she stepped closer to me. “You did the right thing, big brother,” she said, her voice smug and victorious.

I didn’t reply. I couldn’t. My throat felt tight, and my chest burned with something I couldn’t name. Instead of acknowledging her, I turned on my heel and walked toward the stairs. But before I could take a step up, my mother’s voice cut through the air.

“Stanley,” she called, her tone firm and expectant.

I stopped, my grip tightening on the railing. I turned slightly, meeting her scrutinizing gaze.

“What made you change your mind?” she asked, her brows furrowed. “Yesterday, you...