Chapter 24

• “Why did you do it, John?” My voice is shaking, barely above a whisper, but the words feel like stones tumbling out of my mouth. “Why did you manipulate everything?”
• John stands in front of me, his hands clasped behind his back in that same controlled, imposing way he always carries himself. I can see the glimmer of something in his eyes—something almost... amused. But there’s a dark edge to it now, something that makes my blood run cold.
• “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says, his voice smooth as always, his face carefully blank. “Manipulate? I’m simply guiding you, Funmi. Helping you see the bigger picture.”