The air in the safe house was heavy with tension, though the victory from rescuing the children provided a fleeting sense of accomplishment. The media had already begun reporting on the takedown of Kelly’s illegal operations. Images of the orphaned children being led to safety dominated the news, turning public opinion against her.
“Her name is being dragged through the mud,” Rafael said, tossing a newspaper onto the table. “This is the kind of damage she can’t undo.”
“She’ll retaliate,” Caden said, his tone dark. “This is only the beginning of her downfall, but she’s not going to take it lying down.”
I crossed my arms, staring at the headlines. Part of me wanted to savor the taste of her public humiliation, but I knew Caden was right. Kelly wasn’t the type to back down.
“She’ll come f
