Chapter 61

• The living room was quiet, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantel. Leo stood by the window, his hands in his pockets, his gaze on the street below. Amara sat on the couch, her hands folded in her lap, her face pinched. Liana played with her toys on the floor, her small body a beam of innocence amidst the adults' tension.
• The doorbell had rung, and Amara got up to her feet, her heart pounding against her chest. She glanced at Leo, who gave one nod, his expression deadpan. She took a deep breath and made her way towards the door, pushing it wide open to reveal a woman standing on the doorstep.
• "Mrs. Miller," Amara said softly, her voice filled with deference. "Thank you for coming."