Val’s chest was still tight from the confrontation inside the mansion, the taste of bitterness clinging to her tongue. By the time she reached the front steps, she was drained. She leaned against the car for a moment, catching her breath, then slid into the backseat.

“Olive,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the storm inside. “Get me Alecia’s number.”

Olive glanced back in the mirror, uncertain, but didn’t argue. Within minutes the phone was in her ...