Chapter 24. Unravelling Ties

Lottie POV

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted, growing heavier and darker. I sensed the change before I saw it, feeling the presence of others who had come to watch the debacle unfold. I felt a wave of embarrassment and sadness wash over me, realising this scene was being laid bare before an audience, something I hadn't anticipated. The essence of anger and disapproval seemed to emanate from somewhere behind them—I knew it was Adam, his silent fury palpable even without seeing his face.

"Neither scares me, but I get the sense Havoc would step on my toes in a foxtrot," Chase announced, his voice cutting through the tension with a mix of humour and defiance. My stomach jolted with confirmation of their arrival; I had hoped for more time to sort this mess before they appeared. Yet, his attempt to lighten the mood with humour signalled his effort to defuse his own anger.

Havoc responded with a deep, pained rumble, a sound that drew my focus back to him before