It was Brent’s luxury SUV.

The vehicle screeched to a halt right behind Molly’s sedan.

The driver’s door flew open, and Brent stepped out into the freezing air, his face twisted in a mask of pure rage.

He slammed the driver’s side door so hard the glass vibrated.

I stepped back from the window, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Molly moved quickly to my side, her hand resting firmly on my shoulder.

“Do not let him intimidate you, Tessa,” she whispered.

Jennifer did not move from the armchair, but her fingers tightened around the edge of the black folder.

Outside, heavy footsteps crunched on the frozen gravel of the driveway.

Brent did not bother to knock gently; he threw his entire weight against the front door, pounding with his fist.

The wood rattled in its frame.

“Tessa!” he roared from the other side. “Open this door right now!”

I looked toward the hallway leading to the guest bedroom, terrified the noise would wake Ivy.

“I will handle the door,” Molly said, her voice tight with anger.

“No,” I said, putting my hand out to stop her. “I will do it.”