NATHAN pushed the grand double doors open, and the room seemed to freeze.

Orlanda stepped in first, a calm fury in her eyes, each step she took echoing into the silent living room. Her chin was raised, posture proud, but her chest was tight with emotion. Behind her, Oswald followed like a dark force, tall, brooding, unreadable. Nathan entered last, quietly closing the doors behind them. Outside, the guards and chauffeur lingered, but no one inside paid them any attention.

The living room felt so strange to Orlanda, like a stage, and everyone on it, strangers wearing masks.

The Grimes family was already assembled. Mr. Grimes was now sitting stiffly...