By the time Chloe stumbled back into the penthouse, her shoulder still ached where Ereshia had gripped her. The sting of humiliation clung to her skin, heavier than the near miss with the car. She slammed the door behind her, startling Zoe who was curled on the couch with her laptop.

“Chloe?” Zoe blinked, sitting up. “What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Chloe barked a laugh that sounded more like a sob. “Not a ghost. Worse. My… my guardian.”

Zoe frowned, ...