The dark red ink on the back of the photo glowed like fresh blood under the bright office lights. Evelyn felt her breath catch in her chest as she stared at the faces of the two men standing side by side. Her father was smiling, looking young and full of big dreams. Next to him, Julian's father looked tall, powerful, and cold.

Evelyn's hands shook so hard the heavy golden card vibrated in her grip. She turned her eyes slowly toward Julian. The warm look on his sharp face had vanished completely, replaced by a dark, heavy shadow.

"Explain this to me right now, Julian," Evelyn demanded, her voice tight...