Two days after her phone call with Phoebe, Victoria sat across from the Phoebe in the McQueen family's private sitting room.

Afternoon light filtered through silk curtains, casting everything in golden warmth, but Victoria's hands trembled as she reached for her teacup.

"Thank you for meeting with me, Phoebe." Her voice caught slightly. "I wasn't sure you'd want to see me after... after what I heard."

Phoebe's expression softened with concern. "What you heard? Victoria, darling, what's ...