CHAPTER 44

DECLAN

My brief visit to Hazel’s hadn't gone as smoothly as I'd hoped, but there were small victories, particularly with the kids. Wyatt and Caleb seemed more receptive, and even Oliver showed a slight improvement from our initial encounter.

However, duty called, and I found myself rushing back to New York due to an urgent business matter. Little did I anticipate the shock awaiting me upon my retu