THEO'S POV
I paced back and forth in the expansive living room of the Atkins' estate, my phone clutched tightly in my hand. I had called Grachelle’s number at least a dozen times, each attempt met with the hollow sound of voicemail. My heart pounded in my chest, an overwhelming sense of dread settling over me like a storm cloud.
"Something's wrong," I said through gritted teeth. "She should have been back hours ago."
Grachelle’s parents, Edrian and Amanda Atkins, sat on the plush couch, their faces etched with worry. Amanda clutched a tissue in her trembling hands while Edrian rubbed his temples, his usual composed demeanor beginning to c***k.
"Maybe she got caught up in a meeting?" Edrian suggested, though his voice lacked conviction.
I shook my head. "No. Even if she were busy, she'
