Chapter 24

Samantha’s POV

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again,” I warned, pulling the car into the driveway. My eyes flicked to the rearview mirror where Devon and Diana sat silently, their wide, guilty eyes meeting mine.

They didn’t respond right away, but their guilt was obvious. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stay calm — for their sake. I’d already lectured them, and one reminder was enough. After opening my door and stepping out, I waited for them to follow.

As soon as we stepped inside the house, Annie came rushing toward us. Her face was pale, her hair slightly out of place, and her hands trembled as she clasped them together.

“I’m so, so sorry!” she blurted, her voice cracking. “I don’t know how they managed to—”

“Annie, it’s okay,” I said firmly but gently, resting a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. “I know how much you care about them, and I’m not blaming you. But we’ll need to take extra precautions from now on.”

I glanced at the twins, who stood a few feet away, sh