Chapter Thirty-Seven
Alicia's POV
I woke up feeling almost human for the first time in days.
The smallest thing—a few hours of actual sleep—and suddenly the world didn't feel quite so crushing. I showered, dressed in a blouse and slacks, even managed a small smile at my reflection.
Maybe today would be better. Maybe I'd find a lead on Sophie. Maybe things would start falling into place.
I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs, expecting to see Maurice waiting with the car. Expecting the usual routine—breakfast with Malachi's intense stare tracking my every movement, then the conference center, then another day of pretending I wasn't falling apart.
But the lobby was quiet. No Maurice. No employee buses lined up outside. No Malachi.
I frowned, checking my phone. No messages. No missed calls.
"Alicia?" One of the junior analysts from our team approached, coffee in hand. "Did you not get the memo?"
"What memo?"
