“…because I know I'm living alright here, so whatever it is you're talking about.”

“You call this living?” Rebecca snapped, her voice rising over the stunned quiet that hung thick in the air. “Being controlled by this man? I know he is the reason you never want to visit me! Don’t insult me, Valentina.”

Val froze mid-sentence as Lucas up her arm to calm her, his expression unreadable, while Georgia lingered awkwardly behind Rebecca, holding her purse like a peace offering ...