“What is it?” Nora asked, completely unfazed.

If there was one universal truth, it was that people always wanted something in return.

“Elaine has to take the fall for ‘kidnapping my daughter,’” Ceciia said bluntly, cutting right to the chase.

“You’re stuck and looking for a way out, huh?” Nora shot back, immediately seeing through her.

Ceciia didn’t bother denying it. “That bastard Alfred—he pretends to care about ...