The Reed mansion was cloaked in a suffocating silence.Even the ticking of the ornate grandfather clock in the corner seemed hesitant, each chime stretching the tension tighter.

No one spoke or moved.

The glittering chandelier above cast fractured light across the marble floor, but there was no warmth in it, only cold, empty brightness.

Julian sat stiff on the edge of the velvet sofa, suit tossed carelessly aside, his eyes unfocused. His jaw worked like he was chewing invisible words, but nothing came out. His tie hung loose, the knot crooked, something he would never normally tolerate.

Across from him, Tricia sat with her knees drawn together, staring at her...