Chapter 58

** Unraveling Threads**

The early morning light filtered through the blinds of the small safe house where Claire, Ethan, Samuel, and Lillian had taken refuge. The past few days had been a whirlwind of tension and fear, and although they had managed to evade immediate danger, the uncertainty loomed over them like a dark cloud. The police had placed them under protective custody, but even the presence of law enforcement didn’t feel like enough against the reach of the developers and their corrupt allies.

The kids were seated at the small dining table, picking at breakfast, their usual energy dulled by the constant stress. Claire watched them from the doorway, her heart aching at how much this ordeal had stolen from them—their peace, their sense of safety, and their childhood.

Ethan stood by the window, peering through the slats as if expecting trouble to show up at any moment. His shoulders were tense, and the dark circles under his eyes betrayed the sleepless nights they had all endure