“Livia, we need to talk. Now.”

Vania’s voice was cold, without a trace of small talk. Her steps were brisk as she entered her stepsister’s room, making Livia—who had been touching up her lipstick in front of the mirror—startled.

“Big sis… what the hell? You could’ve knocked,” Livia tried to smile as if nothing was wrong, but her eyes flickered nervously.

Vania slammed the door shut, deliberately loud. “I’m not wasting time. I know you’re involved in whatever’s going on with Karen and Mom.”

For a second, Livia froze. Her hand stopped mid-stroke with the red lipstick. “What are you talking about?” she asked with a small, fake laugh.

Vania...