The house shimmered with light and laughter. From the chandeliers above to the flicker of candles on every table, everything had been polished into perfection. Vanessa believed in appearances always had and tonight her home gleamed like a stage set, every detail curated to impress.
For Sierra, it felt like walking into a trap.
She stood at the top of the staircase, fingers clutching the railing as her eyes swept the room below. Guests mingled across the living room, glasses of champagne in hand, their voices carrying the ease of wealth and security. But beneath their elegant laughter, Sierra felt her mother’s eyes sharp, assessing, predatory.
Her dress, a pale silver satin slip, clung softly to her frame. Vanessa had chosen it, insisting it brought out her complexion. Sierra hadn’t argu
