Sierra stood next to the stretch limo, unsure of how she should say goodbye to her father. She had to bottle the excitement she was feeling at escaping him. He’d probably strangle her on the spot, if he knew the extent of her elation. She was unsettled about Mr. Whitfield’s expectations, though and couldn’t keep a bit of that from showing through her otherwise stony expression.

Still, she couldn’t push away the thought that she was finally getting away from her father. She hoped and prayed she’d never have to step foot inside his house again.

“I’d like to speak to my daughter alone for a moment,” Douglas said as...