CHAPTER 172

TRENT'S POV

I lingered outside the car, my hand resting on the cool metal of the door handle.

The familiar sight of our homd loomed before me, a place I hadn't set foot in since... well, since everything went to hell.

My heart thrummed in my chest as I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.

This wasn't a homecoming; it was just another step in our plan to bring Dad down.

With trembling fingers, I fished my phone out of my pocket and dialed Mr. Matthews' number. The line crackled to life after two rings.

"Is it time to call?"

I glanced at my watch, noting the time. "No, not yet. In the next ten minutes, you can call."

"Alright," he paused, and I could almost see him furrowing his brow. "Be careful, Trent."

I ended the call and squared my shoulders, taking those first tentative steps towards the front door. Each footfall felt heavier than the last, like I was wading through quicksand. Before I could even reach for the doorknob, it swung open.

Olivia stood there, he