CHAPTER 54.

The rumble of an engine broke the stillness of the evening.

I stood at my bedroom window, watching as my father’s car pulled into the driveway. The sleek black SUV parked at its usual spot, headlights momentarily cutting through the darkness. My fingers curled around the seal of the curtain. I didn’t know why I was holding my breath, maybe because I already knew what was coming.

A few minutes later, the whisper in my head came—Jerry's telepathic voice, soft but clear.

“Dad wants to see you in his office.”

Of course, he does.

I didn’t waste time pretending I didn’t expect it. Pulling a sweater over my head, I walked out of my room and made my way to the study. The halls felt colder than usual, with the tension echoing between the walls.

Or was it my thumping heart?

When I pushed the office door open, Julian didn’t even look up. He stood behind his massive polished desk, bent over a map spread across it. Lines, pins, symbols. Strategy and territories in ink and paper.

I cleared my throa