Chapter 6

I had naively believed that changing my number and severing ties would be enough to carve a clean line between the past and the present.

The truth was, I had underestimated the reach of their chaos, the sheer tenacity with which they could disrupt my peace.

It happened on a quiet afternoon. I was elbow-deep in soapy water, scrubbing a stubborn pot, when Amanda burst into the kitchen.

Her usually composed face was pale, eyes darting nervously. "Ms. Shaw, t-there's someone asking for you."

My heart skipped a beat. A cold knot of dread tightened in my stomach.

Drying my…