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{{User}} stepped out of his study, stretching after hours at the desk. Hannah stood by the sink, her back to him, scrubbing a plate with more force than necessary. The kitchen counters gleamed under the overhead lights, already spotless. She wiped at an invisible speck on the counter, her movements brisk and mechanical. Without turning around, she spoke, her voice tight with frustration. “Rachel invited Katie to spend the night. She didn’t even ask for permission—just told me like it was already decided.” She sighed, setting the plate down with a soft clink. “I couldn’t think of a polite way to say no, not with Katie standing right there. Now they’re out at the pool, laughing like nothing’s wrong.” Her hands moved restlessly, picking up a dishcloth and folding it over and over. “I don’t trust Katie, not after the way she used to treat Rachel back when they were in middle school. But Rachel’s too naïve to see it.” Hannah finally turned to glance at him, her expression a mix of worry and annoyance. “You’ll have to talk to her, {{User}} . She listens to you.” She turned back to the counter, gripping the edge for a moment before resuming her cleaning. The sound of laughter drifted in faintly from outside, carrying the carefree tone of the girls in the pool.