ession stern. "Ms. Guzman, I cannot discharge you. Your blo

ne out of her hand for the second time in this life. A small drop of blood welled

ring by the bed. "Maybe you

ng the clothes Janna had brought her: simple black pants and a cashm

ziness was there, but she pushed throu

tor's disapproving stare. She grabbed her bag and walk

crisp morning, the kind of day that felt like a fresh

" Janna asked, follo

pulling out her phone. "Remember

er arm. "You can't just go back to th

id. She opened the Uber app and typed in

d. "The Mills Estat

led up to the curb. The driver rolled dow

anna could argue. She closed the door,

. Adriana watched the city skyline give way to the leafy suburbs o

. A text from an

. Funds will be available within 24 ho

as her inheritance, the money that was supposed to be for he

gates stood open, a silent invitation to the gilded cage. The house loomed at the e

The air smelled like cut grass and money.

of professional calm, but his only sign of surprise was a fractional hesi

r voice leaving no room for smal

ated. "Mr. Mills

d past him and walked into the grand foyer. Her heels echoed on the

didn't look at the family portraits on the walls. She didn't lo

reason. To burn the

re heavy oak, carved with the Mills

sh them open, but a voice

raham Fletcher, Everette's head of se

ing in the air. She leaned cl