I twisted the cap back onto the water bottle and set it aside.
Then I looked down at Vanessa.
Her eyes were fixed on the floor. She did not dare look up.
The Vanessa who had been so high and mighty only moments ago could not even bring herself to meet my eyes now.
Evan stood a few steps behind her, unable to move forward or retreat.
His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but after one glance at me, he closed his mouth again.
I let out a short laugh.
"Vanessa, what did you want me to do again?" I asked. "Oh, right. Get on my knees and say, 'Vanessa, I was wrong.' Did I remember that correctly?"
Vanessa's shoulders jerked violently.
Julian stood beside me, his face still dark.
He pulled out his phone and murmured a few words into it. Then he leaned close and spoke quietly
