Nathaniel watched her, hesitation flickering across his face before he finally relented. “All right. I’ll look for him. You should head home for now.”

“Okay… okay.” Elena loosened her grip and walked back to the car that had brought her, one step at a time.

The vehicle pulled away, its taillights fading into the dark.

Nathaniel remained where he was, unmoving.

Cecilia stepped up beside him. “Let Nicholas go.”

She believed the past few days had been punishment enough. Surely he wouldn’t dare lay a hand on her again.

She expected Nathaniel to agree—but he turned sharply. “Let him go just like that? You’ve got to be kidding.”