The air inside the principal’s office was thick with tension. The moment Riana stepped through the door, her heart sank at the sight before her.
There, nestled safely in her evil half-sister’s arms, was her daughter, Willa.
The little girl’s eyes darted up, then away, clutching the hem of Delilah’s expensive silk blouse like it was a shield. The sight pierced Riana deeper than she expected. Her daughter, her baby, was hiding from her.
Riana’s pulse quickened. She wanted to rush forward and gather her child in her arms, to soothe her trembling shoulders, but something in Willa’s expression showed fear, confusion, maybe defiance, froze her in place.
Delilah looked up first, a mask of concern painted perfectly across her face. “Oh, Riana,” she said sweetly, brushing Willa’s curl
