The thought clung to Claire, unsettling her in a way she couldn't shake. The more she probed at the details, the deeper her fear rooted.

Fear that Julian didnt care for her anymore.

And if she lost his protection, she would inevitably fall back into the hands of him.

She would nevercould neverallow herself to return to that man.

...

Charlotte stood outside the Deans office, hesitating only briefly before knocking. After a ...