Chapter 43 - Jealousy

Mariam's mind reeled as she tried to process the threat, the stark difference between Hannah's current demeanor and her previously calm behavior sending a chill down her spine.

This Hannah was a woman possessed, her words laced with malice and a darkness that seemed to reach far beyond the confines of their office.

A gnawing suspicion began to bloom in Mariam's mind, one that suggested that Hannah's threats were more than just an idle display of bravery. This was a woman with an agenda, one that posed a serious threat not only to Mariam, but perhaps to Tony himself.

At dinner, Grandma Nicole observed Mariam with a discerning eye, noting that she was picking at her food with little appetite, despite the fact that it was her favorite meal.

The usually enlivened young lady was subdued, her involvement in the dinner conversation minimal at best.

Suspecting that something was amiss, Grandma Nicole contemplated the events of the day, wondering if the meeting had taken a turn for the wors