(Helen Petersons)

Helen Petersons sat in the grand living room of the mansion, her hands folded tightly in her lap and her face a mask of cold composure.

She had called an emergency family meeting, her voice on the phone clipped and urgent, leaving no room for questions or excuses.

(Jackson)

Jackson arrived first, his face already etched with irritation because he had been pulled away from a critical meeting at the office; he walked in with aggressive strides, his jaw clenched tight.

Aryyah ...