The late morning sun filtered gently through the sheer drapes, casting golden patterns across the pristine marble floor of the main sitting room. The air was faintly scented with vanilla and orchids from the arrangement on the center table, which was all elegance, quiet, and tension.

Carolina moved quietly, pushing a feather duster across the already immaculate surface of a glass side table. Her eyes weren’t on the dust; they were fixed on Beth.

Beth was lounging across the cream-colored ...