ISABELLA
The clock on my screen read 5:47 PM, but my body refused to move. I sat frozen at my desk, staring at the same unread email for what felt like the hundredth time. My mind kept replaying Rafael’s cold promise from earlier — that quiet, terrifying certainty in his voice when he said no one who hurt me would walk away clean. I glanced across the open floor towards Megan, Sarah, and Tyler. They were laughing together near the printer, heads close, probably tearing me apart again.
What is he going to do to them?
The thought sat like ice in my stomach. Rafael didn’t do petty revenge. He did examples. And the idea that I might be the reason three people could disappear or worse, made me feel sick. I couldn’t just sit here anymore.
Before my fear could stop me, I stood up. My heels c
