Ethan stepped inside with two paper bags—Thai, steaming, the smell of lemongrass and chili filling the hall. He kicked the door shut, grinning like nothing was wrong. “I got extra spring rolls. You always steal mine.”
Aria stayed by the window. She didn’t move.
He noticed. “Hey. What’s up?”
She turned slowly. Her arms were crossed tight, like she was holding herself together. “I got another text today.”
His smile faded. He set the bags on the counter. “From who?”
“Unknown. Same as this morning.” She pulled out her phone, opened the messages. Her thumb hovered over the last one. “It said… I should ask you about the night my father disappeared.”
Ethan went still. Not angry. Not defensive. Just… still. Like the air had been sucked out of him.
Aria watched his face. “You know som
