CHAPTER FORTY FOUR – A VIOLENT CAPTURE

The morning light cast a pale glow through Scarlett's bedroom window, a stark contrast to the turbulent emotions of the previous night. The memory of Mr. Stone's kiss lingered on her lips, the sapphire necklace a constant reminder against her skin. But reality quickly intruded as the ache in her ankle throbbed with a dull protest. With a grimace, Scarlett hobbled out of bed, the prospect of work looming large. She dressed carefully, opting for a pair of comfortable flats instead of her usual heels. Glancing down at the necklace, she debated hiding it. But it felt like a symbol of defiance, a reminder of the night's unexpected solace. The silence in the apartment was deafening compared to the chaos of the previous night. There was no sign of Ava, which sparked a fresh wave of unease. Had she discovered their break-in and fled? Or was her absence a calculated move, meant to lure them into a false sense of security? Traffic was lighter than usual, and Scarlett arrived at the vet cl