Chapter 54

• The kitchen was a minefield, the air charged with tension, unspoken resentment and passive aggression bubbling beneath the surface. Amara's back was to Leo as she stood by the sink, her hands trembling as she washed a stack of dishes. Leo leaned against the counter, arms crossed, jaws clenched. Liana sat at the table, coloring book neglected as she looked at the floor, her little shoulders hunched.
• "This isn't working," Amara exclaimed, her voice breaking the silence. "You're constantly undermining me in front of her."
• Leo's head snapped up. "Undermining you? I'm attempting to get involved. You're the one who won't let go."