CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO - Old Wounds Begin to Heal

After what felt like an eternity, the intruders left, carrying a laptop and several files. As soon as the coast was clear, Ella called the police while Lucas checked on their neighbors. Hours later, after giving their statements and comforting a shaken Sophia, they sat in their living room, surveying the damage. "We can't stay here," Lucas said, running a hand through his hair. "It's not safe anymore." Ella nodded, her mind already racing with plans. "I'll call Jack, see if he can set us up with a safe house. We need to move fast – Michael's escalating, and I don't want to think about what he might do next." As if on cue, Lucas's phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. His face paled as he read it aloud: "Hope you enjoyed my little house call. Consider it a warning. Back off now, or your friends and family are next. Tick tock, Lucas." Ella's hands shook as she dialed Jack's number. "We need to warn everyone," she said, her voice tight with fear. "Our parents, our friends