Harley’s P.O.V.

The sharpness of his tone cut through the atmosphere, garnering everyone’s attention. I flinched as every person in the room turned to look at me.

My cheeks burned in embarrassment, and I looked away, clutching the side of my seat as if it would ground me.

Xander didn’t respond immediately. He walked past Carlos and sat down across from me, nodding politely in my direction as if nothing had happened. He looked older somehow, maybe due to grief.

“What’s the rocket science in inviting someone to this hearing?” He knitted his brow, glancing at his uncle. “I just sent the invitation to her aunt’s address. She must have...