Chapter 397

Maddy’s POV

The room Jason gave us was small but cozy, with two single beds pushed against opposite walls and a dim bedside lamp casting a warm glow. 

The faint scent of lavender hung in the air, probably from the sachets tucked into the drawers of the wooden dresser. 

Layla was already sprawled on one of the beds, her shoes kicked off and her head resting on the pillow, chatting about how charming Jason had been during dinner.

I, however, couldn’t focus on anything she was saying. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in the events of the evening. 

I perched on the edge of the other bed, trying to keep my hands from trembling as I stared down at the patterned rug beneath my feet.

Dinner had been excruciating. Not because of the food, which was surprisingly delicious, or the conversation, which had been polite and pleasant. It was the man sitting at the head of the table, Jason’s grandfather. 

His p