The files felt alarmingly heavy in Mara’s hands, as if they were physical manifestations of guilt and betrayal, akin to evidence in an unyielding court where she stood as both witness and the accused.

Damon lingered in the doorway, a dark silhouette against the softer light spilling into the room. His expression was inscrutable, the dim shadows cutting across his face creating sharp angles, giving him an almost predatory appearance.

“You had no right to do this,” Mara whispered, her ...