s built on lies. Mr. Vance had insisted she attend, to project an image of family unity before h

The music was too loud, the laughter too bright. Ethan was playing the

re her. His eyes, dark a

ht. Are you feeling alright?" His voice

an," she said,

hat happened... I expected you to

asked, a dangerous edge to her voice.

, quickly suppressed. He reached for

e like t

llenged, pulling her

, something cutting, she was sure, when Chad and

id, then his gaze fell on Ava. "Oh, hey, Ava. Did

gh break. But hey, at least

warning look, but

ce, looking directly at Ethan. "

end? You really don't know,

say Ethan and Seraphina go way back. You'd b

. "That's enough, both of you. Go find Ser

ed off, stil

expression unreadable. "Don't

" Ava aske

hair. "Look, Ava, things are... comp

He was still tryin

Seraphina, done with this whole toxic charade. She would play her part tonig

hur Vance tapped a glass for attent

y wonderful daughter Seraphina home. And on this joyous

phina, standing close together.

nnounced, his voice ringing through the room

hing Ava, predatory grins on their faces, cl

. This was just the public confirmation. She kept her expression neutral, h

nsettled. Her composure was not what he had expected. He wante

e him n

ol of their victory. But Ava felt a flicker of something new: not despair, but a