“Go,” Evelyn said, her voice tight. “But do not confront him about the wire transfer yet. We need the lab results first.”

I nodded, my chest tight as I stood up and gathered my bag.

The drive back to our estate felt like a countdown to a confrontation.

The afternoon sun was beginning to dip below the tree line, casting long, dark shadows across the driveway as I pulled up.

Jared’s black SUV was already parked near the front entrance of the stone house.

Beside it was a sleek silver sedan I had never seen before.

I walked through the heavy double doors, the scent of fresh wax doing nothing to calm my nerves.

I heard quiet voices coming from the main parlor.

Jared was standing by the limestone fireplace, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.

Opposite him on the sofa sat Courtney Briggs, her hands resting protectively over her stomach.

She was wearing an oversized beige cashmere sweater and white leggings, looking small and fragile.

“Ah, Shelby,” Jared said, turning to me with a warm, manufactured smile. “You’re finally back.”