The mansion looked different at night.
The warm lights glowing behind the tall windows gave the house a golden, deceptive calm. But Ariana could already sense the change in the air before she even walked through the front door. Her stepfather’s sleek black car was parked at an angle that told her guests had arrived early. The driveway was lined with expensive vehicles she didn’t recognize.
Inside, the scent of expensive whiskey and cigars clung to the air. Low jazz played from the speakers hidden in the walls. The housekeeper’s soft footsteps disappeared down the hall, leaving only deep male voices rumbling in the dining room.
Ariana smoothed her skirt before walking in. She hadn’t planned to stay the weekend, but Richard had called that morning with a tone she knew better than to ignor
