Chapter 85

Max slumped in the uncomfortable backseat of the police car, his gaze fixed on the blurry silhouette of Lark in the front. Lark, as always, was devouring an enormous doughnut, each exaggerated chew a reminder of their tense relationship. Max and Lark had never seen eye to eye peacefully, their constant exchange of sarcastic remarks grated on Max's already frayed nerves. It seemed that they were always on the brink of another explosive argument, just like the one that had erupted earlier that day.

As the car rolled to a stop inside the dimly lit garage, Max's mind drifted to thoughts of Rose. They had shared a deep connection, and her absence weighed heavily on Max's heart. The police car had come to a halt mere steps away from where Rose's elegant limousine was parked, a stark reminder of the luxurious world she was now in.

He remembered the day