Chapter 31 : Thomas

*Noland's POV*

I pace restlessly in the foyer of my mansion, the calm façade I'd maintained for Lexie now cracking under the weight of my own anxiety. The familiar smell of polished wood and the soft glow of the chandelier above me offers little comfort as I wait word on Lexie's arrival in her hometown.

It is already 7pm, Robert left an hour ago, Natasha went to take a shower, and I still havn't heard from Carol or Lexie. This makes me even more nervous. As I check my watch for the tenth time, I hear a car pull up in the driveway. My heart leaps as I run to the window, but it is just a delivery man dropping off a package.

I return to the foyer, feeling defeated. I wait there for what feels like an eternity, before finally deciding to check my email. Maybe there would be a letter waiting from Lexie. As I walk to my studio, I hear some of arguments and loud screams outside. I instantly become alert.