Chapter 91 Broken Ties and New Beginnings

Katelyn’s POV I was still in the middle of sorting through some emails when my phone vibrated. It was a message from my brother David: “Marcus’s family has been dealt with. Don’t worry about anything else. Lucas is already back at Mom and Dad’s house. Take care of yourself.” A wave of relief washed over me. I let out a slow, shaky breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Just a few days ago, I never would have believed that so much could change, or that I could feel this safe, this… protected. I changed into jeans and a simple blouse, not really caring how I looked. I was still shaken from everything that had happened, but David’s message felt like a shield. I needed fresh air, a distraction, anything to get my thoughts away from the past. I grabbed my keys and stepped outside into the gentle morning sunlight. The steps to my apartment were still slick with dew, and I had just locked the door behind me when I noticed a figure standing awkwardly near the entrance. Derek. For a moment,