Chloe's POV
Gideon didn't say another word. After that brief pause by the door, he pulled his jacket straight and walked out, letting the door slam shut behind him.
The moment his footsteps faded down the corridor, I stayed still for a few seconds, listening until the house went quiet again.
I let out a slow breath. My chest felt tight, but I kept it under control. The early return, the way he had looked at me, the order he left me with—none of it had been explained, and the lack of answers settled heavier than the words themselves.
I drew my knees up and rested my arms around them, steadying myself. Gideon had taken control again and walked away without giving me a reason.
I was unsettled.
But I was still standing.
I was exhausted. I was trapped. I had no idea what
