Flora's POV
The rest of the night was an absolute blur of laughter, shouting over board game rules, and empty snack bowls. It was a massive success. For a few beautiful hours, the heavy dark cloud over the house completely vanished. I sat on the carpet, entirely squeezed between Emily and Sophia, feeling a sense of warmth I hadn't felt in a very long time.
"I am telling you, Marcus cheated!" Sophia laughed loudly, throwing a decorative pillow across the lounge at her boyfriend. "There is no way you had that many property cards hidden under your coaster."
"Hey, it's called strategy, babe," Marcus grinned, ducking as the pillow bounced off his shoulder. "Vance Financial material right here, Mr. Vance."
Eugene was sitting in the single armchair near the corner, a glass of bourbon in his
