The drive back from Senator Dorsey’s estate was silent, the weight of the meeting pressing down on Jack and Rose like an anchor. The senator had agreed to help, but they both knew that Margaret wouldn’t go down quietly. If anything, she was bound to strike harder. Every mile closer to home felt heavier than the last, as though the road itself conspired against them.
Jack kept his eyes glued to the asphalt ahead, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. His jaw clenched rhythmically, betraying the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Beside him, Rose sat rigidly, arms crossed over her chest in a futile attempt to shield herself from the dread creeping into her thoughts. Her mind replayed every word Senator Dorsey had said during their tense conversation—each s
