Spring sunlight filled the Phoenix Foundation atrium, warm and gold, casting a quiet glow over Samantha's office as she signed the final documents for the Rebirth Program launch. Jake had just left for the hospital wing's opening ceremony, and the twins were with their tutor—peace finally existed, delicate and earned.
Then Lynn's voice crackled through the intercom.
"Mrs. Morgan… there's someone here to see you. She says it's urgent. Her name is… Amelia Voss."
Samantha paused.
The name struck something in her chest—faint yet familiar.
Amelia Voss:
A small-business owner.
Destroyed.
Bankrupted.
One of the names she'd seen on Ethan Moreau's secret drive.
Samantha stood. "Send her in."
---
THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T BREAK
Amelia entered slowly, clutching a worn leather folder.
Mid-thirties.
Eyes tired but burning with dignity.
A survivor's posture—upright, but carrying bruises the world didn't see.
"Mrs. Morgan," she said softly, "I didn't know who else to trust."
