Maya’s POV
I slipped away from the river house chaos in the middle of the night. My legs still ached from everything that happened on that old couch. The city lights looked blurry through the taxi window. My heart would not slow down. Chloe’s face on that video call kept flashing in my mind. I had to go back to Mr. Havisham. No choice.
The tall building felt colder than usual when I stepped inside. The security guard nodded at me like I belonged there. I took the elevator to the top floor. My hands shook as I pushed open the heavy office door.
Mr. Havisham sat behind his big desk. Papers lay scattered around him. He looked up slowly. His eyes narrowed when he saw me.
“You took your time, Maya,” he said. His voice was low and sharp. “I do not like waiting.”
I closed the door behind me.
