KAEL’S POV
The clinking of silverware against porcelain filled the dining room, a deceptive kind of harmony. But I wasn’t fooled.
Riley’s stepmother took a sip from her wine glass before speaking again, her voice soft, measured. “I know I can never replace your mother,” she said, her eyes settling on Riley with something that could almost pass as sincerity, almost. “But you are your father’s daughter, and coming here more often makes him happy. Even though he tries hard not to say it.”
I didn’t need to be an expert in human emotions to see the tension spike in Riley’s frame. Her fingers tightened slightly around her fork, but she remained silent, her gaze locked onto her plate.
Before she could respond, Brittany spoke up, her tone light, but her words anything but.
“Mother, she’s a g
