Chapter 423

Maddy’s POV

The thought of staying here, alone in the house with Jason’s grandfather, made my stomach churn. The idea of being left behind wasn’t just uncomfortable…it was unbearable.

“Layla,” I said quickly, “can I come with you?”

She blinked, clearly surprised by my request. “You want to come? I mean… sure! Of course, you can come!”

Relief washed over me like a wave, and I felt my shoulders relax for the first time since stepping into the hallway.

“Thank you,” I said, trying to keep my voice light. “I just… don’t feel like staying here alone.”

Layla grinned, oblivious to the true weight of my words. “The more, the merrier! Come on, let’s go before Jason starts complaining about how long we’re taking.”

I nodded, grabbing my bag from the chair in the corner. My heart was still beating fast, but now it was for a different reason. I didn’t know what Jason’s grandfather suspected, but I wasn’t about to stick around