CHAPTER 153: Relationships Are Complicated

Paul gives a casual wave. “Caspian. Desiree.” He nods to Mike, who barely acknowledges him.

The tension in the room could slice through steel. I step aside, gesturing for them to come in, and they glide past me, making themselves at home in my living room as if they belong here, as if they haven’t each taken their turns stabbing me in the back.

Gladys settles onto the couch with a little sigh, crossing her legs in that infuriatingly elegant way of hers. Paul leans against the armrest beside her, arms folded, looking at Mike like he’s some kind of long-lost prodigy.

“So,” Gladys begins, glancing around, her gaze lingering on Desiree with a touch of disdain before settling on me. “I hear there’s been… some questions.”

“Questions,” Desiree says. “That’s one way to put it.”

Mike steps forward, his arms crossed over his chest, his face set in a mask of forced calm. “I want to know the truth. No more games, no more lies. I want to know where I come from.”

Gladys raises an eyebrow, glancing