Wesley’s driver drove through the tall iron gates of his parents’ estate with Willa singing at the top of her lungs in the back seat, seated next to him. She was still hyped from her school concert, humming her solo part and swinging her little legs excitedly.
“Daddy, was I good? Really, really good?” she asked, leaning next to him.
Wesley chuckled, lifting her hand to kiss it. “You were perfect, princess. The whole hall felt like it froze just to listen to you.”
Willa giggled proudly.
But the moment they stepped inside the grand foyer, the cheerful mood evaporated. Susan, Wesley’s mother stood at the foot of the staircase, her expression sharp and carved with disapproval, the kind of look Wesley knew far too well.
Her eyes flickered briefly to Willa, then hardened once mo
