Y

"It was just... a conversation. This wa

conversation. This is blood money. I've heard things, Alyssa... the Va

s, okay? Believe me, I know. But they weren't threatening me. They were.

they're the Valentinos. Polite is just another weapon for people

vier when I have t

me to marry

nce. Twice. "I'm

on, Stephano. I give them a

at me like I've confessed to joi

. And they'll fund her care permanently, till she gets be

ble, then she grabs a throw pillow

staring back a

yssa, this is insane! This is how women end up in Netflix documentaries!"

m this afternoon. That's

trying to shake sense into me with her eyes a

uiet. "She's dying, Carmen. And I'm out of

me. Her fingers worry the edge of the pillow in her lap. "Okay. Okay. I'm not saying I like it. Because I don't. This whole thing is sha

w," I

weren't creep

Like they'd already decided everythi

at happens if you don't..." she lowers her

let go. But Mom's trus

s baby

ical

nds over her face. "

ighter every time my eyes land on it, like it'

dy stepped into somethi

She just watches me, her

ething for me," I say

ap to mine.

ear, or you don't hear from me... You go t

opens. "

what it looks like. You take the money, you

my hand. Her grip is warm, firm, steady in a way

n't kno

n't l

lieve her. G

ning, but I force them back

"I can't believe I'm actua

armen says. Her voice is fierce now, unwave

much, but enough to

get ready

unimpressed. "I hope you

real. "I think I look fine. If h

if he turns out to be hot, I'm going

I say. "I just want him to sign t

hat's not how this ends, Alyssa. If you get

she's right. Somewhe

alread

clock is