Chapter 30

Mia adjusted her smile as she watched her father approach, flanked by his usual entourage. The crowd parted like waves, people stepping back just enough to witness what was surely about to unfold.

"Father," she said with a voice so low and sugary it almost sounded like a whisper laced with poison. "Thanks for coming."

Samuel Meyer gave a slow, smug smile. "Wouldn't miss it for anything in the world." Mia caught it instantly, the double edge to his words, Stefan did too. And so did Jeremiah Sterling, standing right beside them. All three knew the weight behind the sentence. This wasn't a show of support, it was...