Serena entered the room with Nathan at her side, where the Wentworths and Fitzgeralds were already gathered. The room was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by the low hum of the air conditioning. Alex had grouped the families around a long, oval table that dominated the center of the room. The heavy curtains on the windows were drawn, so the light from the overhead lamps was the only source of illumination.

Serena felt the eyes on her and fought the feeling of her breath being cut off. She took a deep breath as Nathan led her to the table. His hand on her back gave her some support,...