Benita’s POVBy morning, she had showered, changed, answered emails, and still couldn’t shake the sound of that voice.“I hope he’s strong enough to protect you.”She sat at her desk, blazer on, hair pinned back, but the chill hadn’t left her skin. Roo had crawled into bed with her sometime after three—small, warm, thumb in her mouth, dragging a blanket across the floor. Benita had held her tight, whispering stories and counting heartbeats. She hadn’t fallen back asleep. She didn’t need to.By dawn, she had a plan.She wasn’t scared anymore. She was furious.And fury, unlike fear, gave her clarity.She sent three texts. Then four emails. Then made a call to someone she hadn’t spoken to in years: Warren Caldew, her father’s longtime rival and the current Vice Chair of the Elders Council.“Benita Bellington,” he said with surprise. “Didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again.”“Don’t let the surname fool you,” she said calmly. “I’m calling as a citizen.”“Of course you are,” he said, cle
Last Updated : 2025-07-16 Read more