Chapter 454

Rose’s POV

I didn’t know how to feel about that. Was it real? Was she really trying to change, or was this just another trick? I had seen that look before, and it hadn’t meant anything good.

Turning away from her, I walked back toward Joe. He hadn’t moved from his spot, his arms crossed, watching the whole thing unfold with that calm look of his. I found comfort in that, in his steady presence.

“I don’t know what to do, Joe,” I said as I reached him, my voice shaking just a little. “I’m scared to believe her.”

Joe uncrossed his arms and took a small step toward me. “I understand, Rose. I know it’s hard.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of my confusion pressing down on me. “But if you were in my shoes,” I asked, looking him straight in the eyes, “Would you trust her? Would you give her a chance after everything she’s done?”

Joe waited for a moment, thinking carefully before he answered. “If I were you, I wouldn’t say I’d trust her completely ri