CHAPTER 87

Jessica stood frozen in the middle of her living room, the sound of the door closing echoing in her ears. Her father's words lingered, a chilling reminder of the power he wielded over her life. She had managed to keep him at bay for now, but she knew it was only a matter of time before he struck again. Andrew Lane was not a man who accepted defiance lightly, and she feared what his next move might be.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm the storm of emotions raging within her. She couldn’t let fear consume her—not now, when so much was at stake. She needed to be strong, to think clearly. Her father’s visit had shaken her, but it had also solidified her resolve. She would not let him control her any longer.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, pulling her out of her thoughts. She picked it up and saw a message from Philip: *“How are you holding up? Do you need anything?”*

Jessica hesitated before typing a response. She didn’t want to worry him more than he already was, but she als