ARIA

"They didn't plan it, but they know. And they're not stopping it." More tears fall down her cheeks. "They chose the money over you. Over their own daughter."

The pain of that revelation cuts deeper than I expected.

"I need to go," I say, standing.

"Promise me you won't go tonight. Promise me you'll stay safe."

"I promise I'll be careful." I grab my purse. "And Vivienne? If this is another manipulation, if you're playing me right now, I will make sure you spend the ...