(Author's POV)
It was nearly eleven o'clock at night when Jasper finally walked through the front door of the Everett estate. He expected darkness, but the living room was ablaze with light.
Victoria Everett sat rigid on the velvet sofa. Her expression was severe, her posture unyielding.
Jasper paused, surprised. "Mother? Why are you still up?"
Victoria's gaze swept over him, cold and assessing. "I thought you were taking Rosie to Malibu for a getaway. Why are you back here alone?"
Jasper shifted his weight, avoiding her piercing eyes. He raised a hand, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
"Everything is fine," he lied, his voice sounding strained. "Rosie was having so much fun she didn't want to leave. I had urgent business at the company, so I asked Sienna to stay with her. I'll
