Diane's POV
The drive back to Joan's beach house was a blur. My mind was still processing the meeting with Andrew, the weight of the cashier's check in my purse a tangible reminder of my newfound alliance.
The evening sky painted the ocean in hues of purple and orange as I pulled into the driveway, the familiar sight of Joan's beach house oddly comforting despite it being my temporary refuge.
I spotted Joan immediately, sitting on the wooden deck facing the shore, her silhouette illuminated by the setting sun. She jumped to her feet the moment she saw my car, rushing over before I could even properly park.
"Where have you been?" she demanded as I stepped out, her voice a mixture of relief and exasperation. "I've been calling you for hours!"
"I'm sorry," I said, embracing her tightly. The warmth of her hug reminded me how lucky I was to have her in my corner. "My phone was on silent. I was with Andrew."
