Adina’s POV

My pulse quickened when one of the farmers leaned closer, his sharp eyes watching me as though he could see straight through the lies Nathan and I had woven.

I forced a shaky smile, trying to appear calm, though the sudden dryness in my throat betrayed me. “I didn’t even know Frank was dead,” I said, my voice faltering slightly. “Nathan and I are just finding out now, same as you.”

They exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves, their faces thoughtful. One of them, ...