CHAPTER FORTY NINE – THE REAL TRAITOR

The insistent knock on the door shattered the fragile peace Madison had managed to create for her children. Donald was finally asleep, his tiny breaths a soft rhythm against the tense silence of the apartment. Kyle, perched on the couch with a book, startled at the sound. Madison exchanged a worried glance with her daughter before going to answer the door. Through the peephole, she saw an unfamiliar woman, her blonde hair styled in a harsh bob, a sneer etched across her face. Hesitantly, Madison opened the door a crack. "Can I help you?" The woman pushed her way in with surprising ease, her eyes scanning the apartment with a predatory glint. "Madison Carter, I presume?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who are you?" Madison demanded, her hand flying to her throat as a wave of unease washed over her. The woman cackled, a harsh sound that sent shivers down Madison's spine. "The name's Karen," she declared, her voice laced with vindictive glee. "And you, my dear, are about