I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone. The message from Kaia felt like a reminder of how much I hated her, but it was also laced with relief:

“Damion is back home. The money helped, and we’re grateful for everything. Thought you’d want to know.”

I reread it, trying to decipher her tone. Was she gloating? Sincere? I couldn’t tell. But one thing was certain—Damion was safe. And despite everything, a part of me still needed to see him, to hear it from him.

Grabbing my ...