Reina couldn't take it anymore.

Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears she barely noticed herself moving, pushing open the front door of James' house without hesitation.

The soft creak of the hinges cut sharply through the tense atmosphere inside.

Both Evelyn and James, standing close together in the living room, snapped their heads toward the sound.

Evelyn’s face drained of color the instant she saw her daughter standing there, fury and betrayal flashing in her wide eyes.

James, too, looked stunned, though his confusion was different.

He seemed unaware of why Reina’s presence would be so alarming.

"Reina," Evelyn said quickly, stepping forward as if to block...