The ride home from the mall was unusually quiet. Outside the tinted glass of the black SUV, Paris shimmered under a soft glow—late afternoon, golden sunlight spilling onto wide boulevards, reflecting off polished shopfronts. But inside the car, the air felt heavy, thickened with unspoken things.

Thalia sat with Tracey tucked against her side, the little girl busy swinging her legs as she stared at her twin brother across from her. George was beside Jay, his hand resting protectively on ...