Nelson drove back to Houston after the reception party. It was 10:30 in the night when Annalise reached home. She went straight up to her room to sleep, thinking how lucky Susan was.

The next day, Annalise met everyone at the breakfast table. Her uncle seemed to be aloof and, after a brief nod at her, drank his coffee and left. All her cousins seemed distant too, as if she were at fault for some reason. After breakfast, Annalise went up to her room to study. Alexis and Aries came over to her room.

“Has anything happened when I was gone?” asked Annalise with curiosity.

“Yes, after you left, aunt...