#Chapter 172: Confrontations

The day had dawned with gray clouds heavy in the sky, casting a shadow over the city, matching the turmoil brewing in my heart. I'd called for a meeting with Stella, Scarlett, and Timothy. It was time to set things straight, to address it all and potentially put an end to all of this. We decided to meet in Scarlett's office, a relatively warm and inviting room. It did little to calm my nerves, however. As I pushed open the door to her office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Inside, Scarlett was already seated behind her desk, her usually peaceful face etched with concern. The room was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn against the gloomy day outside. I glanced around, taking in the familiar surroundings, the photographs of her family on the wall, and the shelves lined with books. It all seemed so ordinary. To my surprise, her daughter was sitting on the floor in one corner of the room, surrounded by a multitude of colorful Galactic Hero action figures. She looked up