The next day, the black SUV pulled up in front of the villa’s gates, its tinted windows hiding the world outside. Julia adjusted her light coat, sliding into the backseat with a soft smile.
Lucy followed behind her, hesitating for only a second before climbing in. Barry was already there, seated by the window, his posture relaxed but sharp, as if even sitting still he was calculating everything around him.
Jessica was next, her heels clicking on the pavement before she slid in smoothly, taking her place right beside Barry without a thought. She leaned into him slightly, her perfume strong, her red lips curling into a smile as if to remind everyone exactly who she was.
Lucy sat opposite them, feeling the air tighten. Julia took the seat beside her, perhaps sensing her discomfort, offeri
