Chapter 347

Emmeline drew in a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The lobby smelled exactly as she remembered—a curious blend of cleaning products and the faint mustiness that seemed inherent to older buildings. The elevator ride to the third floor passed in silence, each floor chime marking their ascent like a countdown.

When they reached apartment 3B, Emmeline hesitated, her hand raised to knock. Even though this wasn’t the home where the worst abuse had occurred, it was where the pattern had begun—where Richard had first shown glimpses of his true nature.

“Take your time,” Brody murmured, standing a respectful distance behind her.

The door opened after her second knock, revealing a woman in her late seventies with silver hair cut in a practical bob. Mrs. Chen’s eyes widened in recognition, then immediately softened with concern.

“Emmeline. What a surprise to see you after all this time. Please, come in.”

The apartment was smal