Early in the morning, Brooke and Lottie arrived at Lyse's apartment, their faces carefully arranged in expressions of concern and remorse. They knocked on the door and waited anxiously, fearful at the kind of reception they would receive from Lyse.
Lyse opened the door, her expression wary. She had been unsettled by Brandon's insistent presence and was relieved to see familiar faces, even if those faces carried a history of strained interactions.
"Brooke? Mom?" she said, her voice hesitant. "What are you doing here?"
Lottie stepped forward, her eyes filled with what she hoped looked like genuine concern. "What kind of mother would I be if I did not come to see you, Lyse?" she asked softly.
