Chapter 24: Secrets Start to Leak

The morning light poured through the curtains while I sat at the kitchen table, my coffee turning cold before me. My phone vibrated on the counter, yet I couldn't motivate myself to grab it. I had hardly slept since Ryan's warning and Andrew's vague promise that he would "take care of it." The atmosphere felt dense as if something was on the verge of breaking.

I ultimately grabbed the phone, fearing what was in store for me. The display illuminated with a flood of notifications—messages, unanswered calls, and news alerts. My heart sank.

A message from a colleague grabbed my attention: "Amelia, are you alright?" "Contact me as soon as possible."

"What on earth?" I mumbled, gesturing to unlock the message. Just as I was about to call, a loud knock on the door caused me to stop suddenly.

Gazing through the peephole, I noticed Andrew, his face angry. Without pausing for me to unlock the door, he knocked once more, this time with greater urgency.