Victoria's POV

I pushed open the door to the small, dim café where Mother said she’d be waiting, and instantly my stomach knotted. It wasn’t fear exactly, not the kind that freezes you in place, but the kind that curls around your chest and whispers, be careful, every word matters. Henry was already there, leaning against the wall with that same calculating smirk that made my skin crawl, one hand in his pocket, the other idly tapping against the counter.

Joey was there too, sitting ...