Chapter 32

Marcus had just wrapped up another report on our video call, and something he said triggered a memory. A place. A direction. A specific detail that felt painfully familiar.

Nothing was certain yet. Years had gone by, and memories could be notoriously unreliable, but if my instincts were right, everything would change.

“I have to get home,” my voice cut through the room, ending the meeting short.

Before either my father or Liam could press for questions, my boots were already moving. Striding out of the administrative building, I was at the residence in less than ten minutes.

The car door had barely swung open when she caught my eye.

Stella was waiting on the wide stone steps, leaning against the double doors.

“I'm starting to think you’re avoiding me,” she said, stepping forward to intercept me before I could even reach for the handle. “And right now, you look like you’re ready to run right past me.”

“It’s importan