Riley’s heart twisted as she saw her father, Alexander, standing there with open arms. His face lit up with a smile, genuine relief evident in his eyes. For a moment, she hesitated, guilt gnawing at her insides. She felt like she was betraying him by even being in the same room after everything that had happened with River.

But she forced a smile and stepped forward, allowing herself to be enveloped in her father’s embrace. His familiar scent, a mix of expensive cologne and the faintest ...