Chapter 23

Chloe’s POV

Morning in the safe house had a rhythm.

I noticed it on the third day.

I woke before the sun, not because I wanted to, but because the house woke before me. Soft footsteps moved through the hallways. Doors opened and closed quietly. Somewhere downstairs, water ran. Somewhere else, metal touched metal in the kitchen.

This house never truly slept.

I sat up in bed and looked at the clock. Six fifteen.

Right on time.

By six thirty, Mrs. Grace knocked gently on my door.

“Good morning, my dear,” she said when I opened it. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” I replied automatically. She smiled, but her eyes searched my face. “Breakfast will be ready soon. You may come down whenever you are ready.”

“Thank you,” I said.

She nodded and walked away, her steps steady and practiced. I dressed slowly and went downstairs. The dining table was already set. Perfectly. Plates aligned. Cutlery polished. A small vase of fresh