Dexie coughed, nearly choking on her coffee as Luke’s words sank in. Her eyes widened, momentarily betraying her disbelief. Even she hadn’t expected him to side with her so directly, especially after the cold frown he’d been wearing just moments earlier.

Across the room, Roger’s face froze. His thunderous anger faltered, replaced by awkward confusion.

Susan’s practiced smile stiffened, a crack forming in her carefully built facade. And Regina, who had been seconds away from ...