Chapter 14

Jackson’s POV

"You’re unusually quiet,” I said, glancing at her. “What did you two talk about?”

I didn’t mean to pry. She had every right to her privacy. But I’d already grown used to her constant chatter, those bright, energetic bursts that spilled out of her like sunshine, hands flying as if her words weren’t complete without them. I’d only spent a few hours with her, yet I’d memorized that habit already.

But now, she was silent and seated quietly staring out the window.

Hannah had stormed out clearly upset, and Vera had barely said a word since. The energy around her was different, muted, guilty.

“I just hope I didn’t make a mistake by agreeing to this with you,” she finally said, her voice low and heavy. “I feel guilty. This is the second time I’m going against her, and the first time… didn’t end well.”

As the car stopped at a red light, I looked out the window, watching people cross from both sides. The light changed, the car