Evans

The glowing screen of my phone felt like it was burning a hole in my palm. Nine AM. David wasn't just coming for my chair anymore. He was coming for the foundation of everything I had tried to build. I looked at Hailey, her hand still resting over my heart. The forgiveness she had given me felt like a heavy cloak, warm but weighted with the responsibility of not failing her again.

"I have to go," I whispered, my voice thick. "If I don't show up, he wins by default. He'll have the legal power to open every door in this house."

Hailey nodded, her eyes reflecting the dim...