Chapter 20

Noah walked toward the car, his expression set in a mask of professional distance. "Let's go," he said, his voice dropping to a softer register that lacked its usual bite but retained its authority. "Okay," Chloe replied. She fell into step beside him, her pace matching his long strides. The silence between them stretched as they crossed the pavement. Chloe glanced at him sideways, noting the tightness in his jaw and the way he looked straight ahead, seemingly preoccupied with thoughts...