She closed the photo album and opened her contacts.
There was only one person in her contacts: Jett Westgate.
She tapped his name, and the call went through.
RING... RING... RING... Each tone was long and drawn-out, echoing with startling clarity in the silent, empty room.
Before the third ring could even finish, the call connected.
"...Hello?" Jett Westgate's voice came through the earpiece, laced with clear hesitation and a hint of surprise that was almost unheard of from him.
"Jett Westgate." Her voice held no accusation, no hint of tears, no trace of hatred. She simply said his name.
The other end of the line fell silent, plunging into a brief, dead quiet.
"Valentine...?"
Annelise Valentine heard his breathing change, from steady to ragged.
"You... How could you..." Jett Westgate trailed off.
Annelise Valentine leaned back in her chair, her eyes on the paintings on the wall before her. "Come to Kingsbay. I'll be waiting for you here."
