"I'm taking it."

Evelyn’s voice was firm, even if quiet. Her hand gripped the leather-bound journal she had just found in her late mother’s bedroom.

“You can’t just take that!” her stepmother shouted from the doorway, breath quick, her face flushed with fury and panic. “That belongs to this house. To this family!”

Evelyn stood tall, locking eyes with the woman. “And I’m part of this family. The biological daughter of Maria Lie. If anyone has the right to this, it’s me.”

Selena appeared from the hallway with brisk steps, already wearing the look of someone ready for battle. “Don’t you dare use Mother’s name just to gain sympathy. Do...