Scarlett’s POV
The safehouse was quieter than it had ever been.
Not silent, never silent, not with security posted outside, radios buzzing faintly, Miriam humming in the kitchen, Jasper pacing with his phone glued to his ear. But quieter in a way that felt unnatural, like the air itself was waiting to see if this peace was real or just another cruel trick.
David was in custody.
The headlines were everywhere. David White Arrested. White Empire Under Investigation. Possible Murder Charges Pending.
For days, I had dreamt of this moment. I had pictured the press swarming him, handcuffs cutting into his wrists, his mask finally ripped away for the world to see. I thought it would feel like freedom. Like victory.
Instead, all I felt was… untethered.
I sat curled on the sofa, my knees draw
