Chapter 5

Nicole didn’t sleep because she couldn't.

The photo still sat on the dining table where she’d left it the night before, staring up at her like a dare. Kendra’s manicured hand curled around Julian’s tie. His palm rested on the small of her back. That half-smile on his face wasn’t for show — it was real.

The timestamp read four nights ago.

Nicole sat in the armchair across from it, legs folded beneath her, silk robe still tied tight like armor. The city had gone to sleep ...