My heart started to pound. I didn’t look at John, but my eyes moved on their own accord- to Jeremy. His brows were pulled tight as though the noise was piercing through his head.

Opposite me, Bianca’s voice rose bitterly. “Do you want me to say it, dear innocent Teyana?” she spat, turning slightly toward John, her face flushed and ready to strike. I swallowed the heavy lump in my throat.

John’s voice came next. “Say what?” I shook internally. God please.

But before Bianca could say anything again, Jeremy’s weak voice broke through the tension. “Bianca, stop.” And just like that, our attention was now directed at him.

He...