I got into the car and asked the driver to take me back to Hawthorne Estate, I fought the urge to watch the video. I clicked the link a few seconds later as curiosity got the better of me.
I clicked play.
The background came into view—mirrored walls, soft lights, racks of clothes arranged. A closet… no. A boutique. Luxurious. Too curated to be casual. Then bold words faded onto the screen:
R Atelier Presents: The Resurrection of Avril.
My fingers tightened around the phone.
Penelope’s face filled the screen first.
“So… how does it feel being back after eight years?”
For a split second, I almost relaxed. Almost convinced myself this was some elaborate sick joke. Then the camera shifted slowly.
Her hands adjusting the gown. Slender fingers. Steady.The camera tilted up slowly, cruelly
