THE silence in the living room thickened like a heavy fog.
Everyone’s heads turned toward the entrance.
Standing at the doorway were Amelia, Charles, and three uniformed police officers.
For a moment, nobody moved.
The tension that had already filled the room now multiplied tenfold.
Shantel’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Amelia stepped forward first, her posture calm, composed, and terrifyingly confident.
Behind her, Charles stood stiffly, avoiding looking at anyone except Shantel.
The three officers remained near the doorway, observing the scene.
Adrian blinked in confusion.
“Amelia?”
George looked equally surprised.
“Madam Amelia?”
Hazel’s eyes widened as well.
“Mom?”
The twins whispered nervously behind her.
“Why are there police?”
Wendy clutched Hazel’s arm tighter.
Sha
