NA

ia Sanders never sleeps before midnight, and Alexander never sleeps before the markets close in Tokyo. I pay th

en one look at my face, and poured me a glass of something strong without asking a single question. But some par

bell. My mo

bag, the smudged makeup, the coat I didn't bot

talk to y

ike lavender and lemon polish, exactly the same as it always d

s up the stairs. "Diana is

er, still in his shirt and tie, his reading glasses

oice sounds strange to my own

elf. My father stands by the fireplace, arms crossed. Neither of them offers me a drink or a tiss

ay. "He's been cheati

not shock. It's not outrage. It's something careful, measur

other repeats slow

es

ou cer

y voice cracks. "They we

ssing her fingers to h

I lean forward, desperate for the comfort I've been c

dea what this will

nk. "

The Thomases are connected to everyone, Diana. Richard Thomas sits on three bo

." I look at m

oint. This isn't just a personal matter. T

nds shaking. "Dad, he cheated on

rrects, as if the distinction matters.

ace her. "She slept with my boyfrien

"Sofia has always been... imp

how she is. That

, sit

to know why you're not angry.

gry. But there's a way to handle these things, and sc

would you like me to handle it? Should I send Sebastian a po

be dr

choing off the high ceilings. "He lied to me. For months. And y

my mother snaps. "Th

hem he

oice he uses when he's done negotiating. "Enou

defend me against the world, and they're more concerned about the

r. "Please. Just once. Te

ot about sides, Diana. I

ge co

e? You cannot make a scene, you cannot post anything on social m

me to ke

f this gets out, the Thomases will look like villains-which they are-but we'll look like fools. Everyone will say we couldn't keep ou

to be de

urself by keepi

aught my boyfriend in bed with my sister

ather says. "Whic

you going to say anything to her? Are you go

ook. It's quick, barely

dealt with,"

ow

s betw

er. I have a r

them." My mother's voice has gone cold. "Now. Are you going to liste

urrounded by my mother's lavender and my father's silence, and I understand-fo

"Just say it. You thi

n't sa

my father. "You're not going t

the mantel. "Your mother is right.

our da

is also m

. Sofia has always been easier to love. Sofia has always been the one they excuse, the one

in," I hear

y w

my life and you'll still take her side." My voice

ia

r. "You know what? Don't. I don't need to h

ou going?" m

not a problem

be ridiculou

e door. "Goodnight, Dad. I'll be s

na,

t for the second time tonight, and this time, the cold d

ething I've been avoiding for years: I cannot depend on my f

elp me. They

e to do thi