Chapter 243. Defensive

Caleb’s POV

“Okay, then, how about we try to question Ashton and Maggie—”

I didn’t even get the chance to finish my sentence before Jade cut in, his voice sharp and clipped, “You’re not thinking this through, Caleb. You’re just hauling accusations out of nowhere. Thinking out loud was fine, but now you want to drag them into this mess?”

His words came like a slap, but I held my ground. I could feel the tension in the room spike, like the walls themselves were holding their breath. I took a step forward, meeting his glare with a calm I wasn’t sure I truly felt.

“Jade, calm down,” I said, keeping my voice steady even though I could feel my pulse thudding in my ears. “We’re all just trying to find answers here. No one’s accusing anyone of anything without cause. But if we don’t ask the hard questions now, we’ll just be chasing shadows.”

It was Beta Raymond who broke the silence next. His voice was softer, yet carried weight—disappointment, even. “Th