“Van, you need to listen to me carefully.” Devandra’s voice was low but firm, as if he were trying to hold back his emotions.

Vania stopped in the driveway, car keys still in her hand. “What now, Dev?”

“Arga isn’t who you think he is,” Devandra said, locking eyes with her. “He’s… a bad man who’s good at pretending to be nice.”

Vania stared at him in disbelief. “A bad man? You’ve only met him once or twice.”

“I’m not just making this up.” Devandra stepped closer, his tone sharper. “I have reasons. I’ve heard things—enough to make me certain he’s not a good person.”

“Heard from who?” Vania asked,...