ADRIAN

 “Who was that on the phone? And why are you sweating like that?” Kate asked as she stepped closer, her sharp gaze fixed on me.

 “Oh, I’m sweating? I honestly had no idea,” I mumbled, wiping my face and realizing she was right. My skin was damp.

 I hesitated, unsure how to explain. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell her that Rene had her claws in me now. Kate wouldn’t believe me anyway—not when Rene had already manipulated Cyril.

 “Now ...