Maddie POV
I was still reeling from Elina’s cutting words, my thoughts swirling with disbelief and confusion. _Tests?_ My stomach churned as I tried to process what was happening, but there was no time to dwell on my shock. I kept my back straight and my head high, determined not to show weakness.
Axel Goodman’s voice broke through the haze in my mind, smooth and calculated. “We received your letter,” he announced, that creepy smile still plastered on his lips as his dark eyes fixed on me. His tone was formal, but there was a subtle edge of condescension that made my skin crawl.
I swallowed hard, keeping my expression neutral. My letter? Of course, the letter I had sent in desperation, trying to explain everything that had happened. But hearing it acknowledged like this, with such
