CHAPTER ELEVEN — Into the Lion’s Den The next evening arrived faster than Evelyn wanted. The afternoon melted away in a blur helping her mother with dinner prep (even though they weren’t eating home), pacing her room trying to choose something appropriate to wear, then pacing again because every outfit suddenly felt like it carried hidden symbolism. Finally, she settled on something simple: a clean blouse, dark pants, and a jacket that looked “put together” without trying too hard. At exactly six, Jesse knocked. When she opened the door, he looked composed in a way that wasn’t quite natural polished, formal, almost guarded. His coat was neatly pressed. His hair was styled back. He looked like someone stepping into a courtroom, not a family dinner. “You okay?” she asked quietly. He nodded once. “I will be.” Evelyn locked the door behind her. “Then let’s get this over with.” The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Jesse answered her few questions honestly yes, his
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