HOURS EARLIER
AUTHOR’S POV
Phyllis, Wanda’s mother, was halfway through her book when the screech of tires cut through the quiet. She startled, the book slipping from her fingers as instinct drove her to her feet. She rushed to the tall windows overlooking the circular driveway, dread already clawing up her throat, and her breath left her in a sharp gasp.
Wanda stumbled out of the car, barely upright, one hand braced against the door as if she were about to collapse. Her movements were sluggish and unsteady, her head bowed as though the weight of her own body was too much to bear.
“Wanda…” Phyllis whispered before she spun and ran from the room, jabbing at the elevator button with frantic fingers. The estate was enormous, featuring long marble corridors, soaring ceilings, and numerous
