The house didn’t feel the same anymore.Not chaotic.Not reactive.Controlled.And that was new.Sophia stood near the window, looking out—not searching, just aware.“I need a minute,” she said.Patrick looked at her. “A minute?”“A reset,” she corrected. “Before everything starts moving.”He nodded.“I’ll take you,” he said.Dominic didn’t argue.Didn’t question.“You go,” he said. “Clear your head.”Sophia looked at him for a second—measuring, noting.Then nodded.The drive was quiet.Not uncomfortable.Just… still.Patrick didn’t fill the silence.He didn’t need to.“You okay?” he asked finally.Sophia stared out the window.“I’m focused,” she said.That was the truth.The spa sat tucked away—quiet, neutral, disconnected from everything that had just happened.Exactly what she needed.Patrick parked, but didn’t get out right away.“Take your time,” he said. “I’ll be here.”Sophia nodded.Then reached for the door.As she stepped out—her phone buzzed.She didn’t even need to look.
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