CHAPTER 20 Whispers in the Dark

　　The tension that gripped the air in Edmund's study lingered, thick and suffocating. Angela stood near the grand window, watching the moonlight cast shadows across the lush gardens outside. The night had an eerie stillness to it, the kind that made her skin prickle. Despite Edmund's reassurances, her mind wouldn't stop racing.

　　She could still feel the weight of his words echoing in her ears, "No one will hurt you, Angela. I'll tear everyone apart who would dare to come closer to you."

　　But even with Edmund's promise, the fear had settled into her bones, an unshakable sense that someone, somewhere knew their secret and was watching, waiting.

　　Angela turned her gaze toward Edmund, who stood by his desk, phone in hand, his expression unreadable as he barked orders at whoever was on the other end of the line. He was a man of action, always in control. It was one of the things that had drawn her to him, the power that radiated from him in every gesture, every word.