Chapter 59. Confronted

Alison’s POV

I felt the tension before I even opened my eyes. It hung in the air, heavy and undeniable, like a storm threatening to break loose. The events of the last few days weighed on my chest like a boulder, and yet, I found myself craving resolution, clarity, and closure. I didn’t realize how much until the words tumbled out of my mouth at breakfast: “I need to see Kendrick.”

Xander’s fork paused mid-air. His jaw tightened, and I caught the flicker of displeasure in his eyes before he even uttered a word. “Absolutely not.” His tone left no room for argument or so he thought.

I squared my shoulders and met his gaze head-on. “You can’t forbid me from this, Xander. I need answers.”

His chair scraped against the hardwood floor as he leaned forward, his palms flat on the table. “That man led you to the danger you were in for months, Alison. He doesn’t deserve your presence, let alone your forgiveness.”

“It’s not about forgiveness,” I shot back,