Hearing that voice after so many years felt like a nail screeching down a chalkboard—sharp and irritating, yet still holding that old, undeniable command.

It was a voice that used to make her spine stiffen, but now it just pricked at her, though she wouldn't let that show.

"Hello, Aunt." Camila turned to find Julie's face blank, clearly not buying the "hello" part.

"Drop the act, please. You didn't really come here to say hello, did you?" Julie challenged.

Camila forced ...