The morning sun shone bright over the concrete walls of the state high security prison for women. High steel fences wrapped twice around the gray buildings, topped with sharp wire coils that glittered in the harsh sunlight. Heavy iron gates slid shut with a loud, metallic bang that echoed across the dry dirt courtyard, locking the world outside behind thick stone walls.

Evelyn Vance stepped out of her luxury black car with her head held high, looking as regal and beautiful as a true queen. She wore a tailored white designer suit that fit her soft curves perfectly, and her dark hair fell in smooth waves over her shoulders. Beside...