Chapter 20: The Unexpected Visitor

The evening had descended into a quiet calm as Emma and Alexander finally emerged from their bedroom, their earlier passion leaving them both relaxed but still deeply troubled by the events unfolding around them. They made their way back to the living room, where the ringing phone had finally ceased. Emma was the first to notice the missed call from Rachel. She picked up the phone and saw a voicemail notification. “It’s Rachel. We should check it,” she said, her curiosity piqued. Alexander nodded and pressed play on the voicemail. Rachel's voice came through, urgent and breathless. “Emma, Alexander, you need to hear this immediately. Richard’s been released from prison. I don’t know the details yet, but the news is breaking. Turn on the TV—there’s a news bulletin about it.” Emma’s eyes widened in shock. “Richard’s out? How is that even possible?” Alexander quickly grabbed the remote and turned on the television. The screen flickered to life, and a news anchor’s serious face filled