Anna paced the length of the kitchen, her bare feet skimming over the cool tiles. Her mind was a battlefield of fear and determination as she tried to piece together a plan. Each step was a reminder of the stakes, the life hanging in the balance. She glanced at the clock—Jaden had been gone for an hour. Time was slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.
Her eyes flitted to the window, where the sunlight streamed in, mocking her with its warmth and normalcy. How could the world outside be so calm when hers was crumbling?
Her mind spun with possibilities, each more dangerous than the last. Following Jaden to his office was a bold move, but she couldn’t just walk in without a reason. What excuse could she give to justify her presence there?
Anna stopped pacing, gripping the edge of
