Page 67 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
"Hi, Lucinda!" Tina responded with a playful wink.
Tom laughed. "Take care of my sis, Tina.”
“Make sure she doesn’t get lost in the Alaskan wilderness, Tina responded"
Tina laughed. "I’ll make sure she’s packed with enough granola bars."
Tom’s voice grew softer, more serious. "The kids are super excited you're coming. They’ve been asking nonstop when you’ll arrive. Emily’s even planned your first dinner—her famous spaghetti."
My heart swelled. "I’ve missed them so much."
Lucinda chimed in, her voice warm and welcoming. "The guest room is all set for you, Kendra. Fresh sheets, everything perfect. Oh, and I signed us up for yoga classes together so we can relax and catch up."
I smiled, grateful for her thoughtfulness. "You didn’t have to go to all that trouble, but thank you."
"It’s no trouble at all," Lucinda replied. "The kids have also been practicing their Alaska survival tips to teach you."
Tom added, "And I’ve planned a hike for us to get some fresh air and talk. Just the two of us."
"Sounds perfect." Overwhelmed by their love, I fought back tears. “You guys are the best.”
"We love you, Kendra," Tom said, his voice full of affection. "See you in about ten hours. Travel safe."
"Love you too, bro," I whispered, ending the call. I shouldered my bag and took a deep breath. It was time to leave Asheville—and Antonio—behind.
"Let’s go," I said, my voice firm.
Tina grabbed her keys but paused before we headed out. “When do you want me to deliver those documents to Antonio?”
“Whenever you find time,” I said. “Just make sure he gets them.”
She nodded. "Noted."
I gave my apartment one last glance before closing the door, sadness tugging at my heart. Tina helped with my luggage as we stepped into the crisp morning air.
***
As I settled into my seat on the plane, a mixture of emotions washed over me. Relief filled my chest, knowing I was leaving Asheville behind, but anxiety lingered at the edges.
I closed my eyes as the plane took off, my thoughts drifting back to memories I had tried so hard to forget. Eve's face flashed in my mind—the confrontation that changed everything.
I remembered stepping into the dimly lit room, Eve’s smug smile faltering as she saw the determination in my eyes. I laid out the folder, thick with evidence of her deceit—documents, recordings, photos—everything I had painstakingly gathered.
"You're clever, Eve," I said, my voice steady, "but you underestimated me when you thought you could use me."
Her eyes narrowed, but behind her defiance, I saw the flicker of fear.
"You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into," she spat.
I gave her a cold smile. "Oh, I know exactly what I’m doing. I’ve been investigating you for a while. I know all about your schemes, your manipulation, and your lies."
I slid the documents across the table, watching her eyes widen in panic as they skimmed the pages.
"This is enough to put you away for a long time, Eve," I said, my voice calm. "You’ll never hurt the Michaelsons again."
Eve’s face twisted with anger, but I saw the defeat in her eyes. She knew she was trapped.
"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don't do this."
