POV: Ariana

Freddie sat next to King Jefferson, his eyes locked on the plate of food in front of him. I could feel his gaze creeping over to me, suspicious, like a hawk circling its prey. My heart raced beneath his watchful stare. King Jefferson and Mom were deep in conversation, sharing fits of laughter, completely absorbed in their newfound friendship. It felt like they were in a world of their own while the rest of us were engaged in an unspoken standoff, a glaring contest that could spark a fire.

Williams sat stiffly, his brow furrowed in concern, hands clenched tight around his cutlery. He, too, wouldn't touch his...