“Because the time has come for you to return,” she said firmly. “You’re a Whitaker. You need to take your place and manage the family. We have allowed you to be independent, fall in love and get broken, but now, you need to do what we say from now on.”
I took a step back, shaking my head. “No,” I said, my voice rising. “I can’t be part of this. Whatever you’re doing, it’s illegal. I won’t be dragged into it.”
Leanne’s expression didn’t change. “There’s no way out, Tracie. You can’t separate yourself from this family. What will you do if you walk away? Tell the world about our dealings? Expose us?”
Her question hung in the air like a heavy weight. Yes, what am I going to do?
I can’t just tell the police about it—and it’s not like that. I cursed.
I exhaled slowly, my anger deflating into exhaustion. “I won’t do that,” I said quietly. “But… everything feels like a blur right now. I’m overwhelmed. I need time to process all of this.”
Leanne’s sharp gaze softened just slightly. “Take the night to rest,” she said. “But remember—this is your reality now.”
She left the room, the sound of her heels echoing down the hall.