CHAPTER 229

Valerie rose gracefully after finishing her sentence, her movements deliberate as she headed towards the door. Just as she reached it, Sloane’s quiet, almost childlike voice broke the silence.

"Will you look after my mom?"

Valerie paused, her back still to Sloane. Without turning around, she replied, "I'll take care of her. You don’t need to worry about what’s to come."

The words hung in the air—