CLAIRE
There was a pause on the other end, like he was gathering his thoughts or maybe just surprised I'd actually answered.
"Claire," my father said finally, his voice tight and controlled. "We need to talk."
"About what?" I asked, even though I knew exactly why he was calling.
"About this mess you've created," he replied sharply. "This public spectacle with Julian and those phone records and the media circus that's happening right now."
I walked back toward the window, putting distance between myself and Julian even though I could feel his eyes on me.
"I didn't create this mess," I said quietly. "Vanessa did when she posted fake screenshots and called me a stalker."
"Vanessa made a mistake," my father said, and I could hear him choosing his words carefully. "She was given bad info
