Chapter 23

Chloe could feel the suffocating pressure of the heavy atmosphere closing in on her, like a vice grip around her chest. She came to a halt in her restless pacing, attempting to take deep breaths in an effort to calm herself down, but the anger only seemed to intensify.

"Chloe," Max's voice pierced through the thin fabric of her tent, calling out to her. Chloe heard him, but she didn't respond immediately. The tent was translucent, so there was no way for her to hide. "Are you okay? You left suddenly."

Chloe clenched her jaw, her resolve hardening. She had had enough of this trip and all the emotions it had stirred up. She hastily gathered her things, stuffing them into her duvet bag, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"Is something wrong? Can I come in?"

With a sudden jolt, Chloe sprang up from her seated position. "Don't you dare come in here!" she yelled. Her eyes blazed with fury, as her hands balled into tight fists. "Actually, you know what? Just get the