C28 Ethan Sees the Envelope

Ethan entered the apartment with the sharpness of a man already on edge. His phone was still buzzing with alerts — more accounts slipping, more doors slamming shut. Grace trailed behind him, silent, her laptop bag heavy on her shoulder.

Rachel was at the table. The envelope sat before her like a loaded weapon, though she had flipped it face down. Her hands were laced tightly in her lap