Kourtney nodded, then stared at the closed door, anxiety bubbling inside her.

She stood in the hallway, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the chaos swirling in her mind. But just then, the door swung open, and in walked Kathlyn, her expression a mixture of surprise and disdain.

“What are you doing here, sister?” Kathlyn demanded rudely, her voice laced with a venomous edge that made Kourtney’s stomach churn.

“I have just as much right to be here as you do. Dad may have tried to keep me away, but I’m still an Allen.”

Kathlyn’s laughter was cold and...