“Devandra!” Vania’s voice cut through the man’s brisk steps in front of the door.

Devandra, already dressed in a sharp suit and holding his car keys, stopped for a moment and turned with a blank expression.

“I’m late for work. What is it now?”

Vania stepped forward, planting herself squarely between him and the door.

“We need to talk.”

“Later tonight,” Devandra replied quickly. “I have an important meeting this morning.”

“An important meeting?” Vania narrowed her eyes. “A meeting with Karen?”

Devandra closed his eyes briefly, as if trying to rein in his emotions.

“Don’t start, Vania. That meeting is business-related. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“Business?”...