“Yes, Mum,” I said quietly, my voice trembling. 

Claire’s eyes swept over the room, her expression perfectly composed. 

“There you are,” she said, smiling, though her tone wasn’t friendly. “I’ve been looking for you.” 

I swallowed, trying to steady my breathing. “What for?” 

“I needed to ask you something,” she said sweetly. Then her eyes slid around the room, taking in the unmade bed, the glass on Ace’s desk, the small distance between me and him. Her ...