Chapter Fifty-Two – Zayn's return, Missing memory
Angel nodded. "Thank you."
Zahid watched the interaction carefully, saying nothing, but his presence grounded the space. He was not choosing sides. He was observing.
Angel placed her palm briefly on the table before stepping away. The solid wood felt real beneath her fingers, smooth where it had been polished often, faintly nicked along the edges where time had pressed in. Natalie followed her with her eyes, standing still, like she was guarding against something invisible.
As Angel moved toward the stairs, Natalie spoke again, voice soft, but hidden barbs all over it. "The twins asked for you a lot. When you were gone."
Angel stopped.
"I am sure," she said quietly.
"But they adjusted pretty well and quickly," Natalie added. "Children do."
Angel turned back to face her fully now. There was no anger in her expression. No challenge. Just a calm look that felt deliberate.
