As I was about to turn and leave, Grace called out to me, “Chlo, c-can I come with you?”

I glanced at Atlas, and a glimmer of tenderness flickered in his eyes. I looked at Grace and asked, “Are you sure?”

She nodded, determined. “Yes! I want to go with you!”

“Mom!” Matthew’s own mother choosing to go with someone else felt like a slap in the face.

All the cops were left dumbfounded. Some of them understood our dynamics, which was nothing short of astonishing.

I turned back, supporting her a