Emily's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively reaching for Chris's arm as if she needed something solid to hold onto. "What... what is he doing here?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Chris's jaw clenched, his instincts immediately going on high alert. His protective nature kicked in, and he stepped in front of Emily, his body acting as a shield between her and Richard, though they were still several feet away.
"I don't know," Chris muttered.
Emily's heart raced, her eyes still wide with fear and confusion as she stared after Richard's retreating figure. Her grip on Chris's arm tightened, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. "We need to check on my mum," she said, her voice trembling with urgency. "What if Richard did something to her? What if he hurt her?"
