Summary

In Chapter 30, Anna moves into Liv’s cluttered but welcoming shared house off Stroud Green Road after her eviction from the Wilders’ home. Though Liv hesitates and Andre still feels betrayed, Liv lets her stay. Anna insists on cooking dinner as an apology. She pawns the iPhone Theo gave her and shops frugally at Woody’s Turkish grocer, where the clerk slips her free baklava. That evening she flips American-style pancakes for Liv and Andre, who slowly warm to her while voicing their hurt. Their banter edges toward forgiveness, and the three reconnect over food, creating a sense of companionship more genuine than anything in Highgate. The moment fractures when Pippa calls to warn that her parents—urged on by Faye—plan to press fraud charges. Anna thanks her and hides her panic.

In Chapter 31, rumors from Highgate destroy Anna’s tutoring jobs...