Zac pulled his car over to the same spot where he had picked up Helen and Chase earlier. Sensing his aunt’s simmering anger, Chase quickly opened the door and jumped out before she could say a word. Helen shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes brimming with silent judgment—at least the kid knew he had done something wrong. Lowering the car window, Zac asked cautiously, “Want me to drop you both off at the door?” “No need,” Helen snapped, her voice loud and sharp. Clearly, her frustration needed an outlet, and Zac had unwittingly stepped right into her line of fire. Leading Chase into the house, Helen carried the oversized stuffed toy they had won at the amusement park. Pushing open the door, she found the whole family in the living room. The air felt tense. Haley sat on the sofa, her arms crossed, while Alex sat beside her, his head hung low. Richard, on the other hand, leaned casually against the wall, clearly enjoying the drama. Chase approached his mother cautiou
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