By the time they arrived back at Crowncrest Court, it was nearly four in the afternoon.

The black Mercedes van crunched over thick layers of snow, coming to a stop on the circular stone driveway of the main house.

The vehicle door swung open. Laura stepped out first, her hands steadying Francesca as she climbed slowly down. Francesca’s face was pale, the expression faintly brittle, yet her voice remained firm as she refused Laura’s insistence to stay and care ...