Elena’s POV

Mrs. Yu keeps stroking the tiny Chihuahua in her arms, the ridiculous camellia necklace glinting brightly against its fur. Her voice is soft, almost lazy, but every word lands like a slap against Stella’s face.

“What are you imagining?” she asks, as though the situation genuinely puzzles her. “Flowers bloom well because of proper care. I sprinkle enough fertilizer. They thrive.”

I almost choke.

Subtlety has never been her specialty, but tonight she’s especially ...