MADDIE'S POV.
Vivian’s question sat between us like a landmine.
“Who is Calhoun?”
Her voice wasn’t curious. It was cautious.
Like she already knew the answer would be something she didn’t want to hear.
I swallowed.
Jeremy was standing across from me, arms folded tight over his chest, jaw clenched, eyes darker than I’d ever seen them. He hadn’t said a word since I dropped the name, but I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves.
I didn’t want to say it.
Not with her listening.
“He’s… someone I’m avoiding,” I said carefully.
Vivian frowned. “Avoiding how?”
Jeremy turned his head sharply toward her.
“Vivian,” he said, low and controlled, “can you give us a minute?”
She blinked. “What?”
“Please,” he added. “This is private.”
Her mouth twisted slightly. She looked between u
