The house had returned to its quiet rhythm. Micah laughed louder, Zaya ran faster, and for a moment, Adrian and I started believing peace could stay longer than a few stolen days.

But peace, like trust, is fragile.

It cracked again one Wednesday morning.

I was in the garden with the twins, watching Micah chase a butterfly while Zaya tried to eat grass. Adrian was on a call with the Vaughan board inside. Vanessa had taken the day off.

And then the gates buzzed.

I frowned.

No expected ...