Chapter 451: The Shadow of a Child

The scent of stale coffee and unspoken tension hung heavy in my apartment, a stark contrast to the usual comforting aroma of Penelope’s floral perfume. Maya sat on the edge of the sofa, her posture rigid, her hands twisting the strap of her worn-out handbag. Beside her, the little girl, whose name I now knew was Annie, was quietly drawing in a notebook, oblivious to the storm brewing around her small existence. Every time I looked at her, I felt a confusing mix of emotions. There was a pang...