chapter 135

As soon as Angela showed up at my door, I felt a chill run down my spine. She was all smiles, but there was an edge to it, a bitterness she was trying to hide beneath a mask of casual indifference. I knew her well enough to see through the act, and something told me this visit wasn’t as innocent as she was making it seem.

"Lyra," she said smoothly, stepping inside before I could even invite her. She looked around, her gaze sweeping over my place as if it were something offensive. "I was just in the area and thought I'd drop by."

I forced a polite smile, hiding the tension knotting in my chest. "Sure, Angela. Always nice to have a… surprise visitor."

She chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "Surprises can be… interesting, can’t they? But I don’t suppose you’re much for surprises. You like things to be safe and predictable."

My jaw clenched, but I kept my voice steady. "What do you want, Angela?"

She looked at me, her eyes narrowing. "To make sure you’re clear on a few things. I don’t want a