“Hmm, now is not the time for that, Leah,” my stepmother hissed.

Still putting on her fake smile for Xavier's parents.

My sharp eyes went to her, and I could only bite on my lips, staying quiet.

After all, I could not afford to anger her.

Not when my mother’s life lay in her hands.

Her stern gaze fixed on me, as she wrapped her hands around me. Her sharp nails dug into my skin.

“Let’s leave things at that, children.

You have all the time to show your concern for each ...