Chapter 97

The dimly lit study cast a somber atmosphere as Ethan and Jackson sat on plush leather chairs with the tension visibly palpable between them. Jackson’s anxiety permeated the room, hitting all corners and manifesting as restless fidgeting and the tightening of his jaw as he tried Emily’s number for what felt like the umpteenth time and still it kept going to voicemail. Emily hadn’t returned home last night and Jackson had a been a restless fit since then.

Ethan sighed inwardly and even though he tried to act anxious too, the indifference still radiated off him.

“Where could she be, Ethan?” Jackson’s voice trembled with worry “She didn’t come back last night, what if something happened to her?”

“I sincerely doubt that, I’m sure she’s fine” Ethan said and Jackson paused to look at him with a squint to his eyes.

“What have you done Ethan?”

Ethan leaned forward, his expression a careful mix of surprise and guilt disguised as anger.

“What do you mean what have I done? What’s that supposed t