Chapter 15

The next morning, Erica woke to the soft murmur of voices just outside her room. She sat up slowly, her muscles protesting the movement.

Sophia appeared a moment later, pushing the door open with a gentle knock. “Good morning,” she greeted, her tone bright but professional as always. “How are you feeling today?”

“A bit better,” Erica lied, forcing a smile.

Sophia approached the bedside, checking her vitals with the efficiency of someone who had done this countless times. “Julian left early this morning,” she said offhandedly. “He said he’ll be back later this afternoon.”

Erica nodded absently, her mind drifting. Julian’s absences had become more frequent, and his explanations more vague. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was keeping something from her—something deadly. And the more she thought about his suggestion to leave town, the more uneasy she became.

As Sophia finished checking her vitals, Erica’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and saw her grand