he floorboards as the car surged forward into the relentless Manhattan storm. Adrien drove w

eways glance at Bran

ked, ignoring his observation, her eyes fixed

An hour, m

lutely certai

h the door. It just kept ringing until

ng in her cheek. She gripped the edge of

e to her visible dread. He pressed harder on the accelerator, the s

was out in this rain earlier today. If he's unresponsive, I'm terrified

e steering wheel. "I didn't even know he w

her voice trembling s

sbelief. His expression clearly said: *You two are

is accusing stare, and turned her fa

's Bluetooth system chimed loudly. The das

he screen. "Har

is Barron

thick with tears and panic. It was H

is tone softening instantly. "Why are

e house is a war zone. Grandfather and Dad are so furious they're practically shaking. Mom won't even leave her room to look for him. I had to

a heavy look at the passenger seat.

eyes wide with apprehensio

erious. "You said your family is furious. And Barron's

gid. The air in the car sudd

didn't hold back, Adrien. They used the family law. It was brutal. Grandfather was so enraged h

wn on himself?" Adrien demanded, his knuc

rified whisper. "I can't say it out loud. If you want t

l blow. Her hand, still gripping the s

se of

e realization was a crushing weight on her chest. She knew the kind of absolute obedience families like the Paynes demanded. To

a new understanding. She forced herself to sit up stra

t of the words on Brandy's face. "I'll talk to him. Stop crying and go

You'll take

se. Go t

he wipers. Adrien glanced at Brandy several times, but she remained perfectly still, her face a pal