CHAPTER 64

The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow across the small guest room. Jessica stirred in the bed, feeling the stiffness in her body from the stress and tension of the previous day. She blinked her eyes open, the memories of what had happened rushing back to her all at once. For a moment, she lay there, trying to process everything. The revelation of her father’s plans, the constant threat they were under, and the overwhelming uncertainty of what would happen next.

Philip was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring out of the window. His shoulders were tense, and his face was drawn with worry. Jessica could tell he hadn't slept much, if at all. She reached out and placed a hand on his back, trying to offer some comfort.

"Philip," she said softly, "We’ll figure this out."

He turned to look at her, his expression tired but resolute. "We have to," he replied, his voice firm. "We can’t let him get away with this, Jessica. Too much is at stake."