“That is up to the review board,” I said.
“You’re enjoying this.”
“No, Madison.”
She stared at me.
“I’m surviving it.”
Her expression shifted.
Just slightly.
For the first time, she looked less like my enemy and more like someone waking up in a room she did not remember entering.
Jason approached then.
He had removed his ceremonial gloves. His face was composed again, but the composure was thinner now.
“Rachel,” he said.
My father stiffened.
Madison turned toward him.
My mother took a small step back.
Jason ignored them all and focused on me.
“I would like a private conversation.”
I almost laughed.
Private conversations had always been his safest place. Behind doors. Away from witnesses. Away from records.
“No,” I said.
His eyes narrowed.
“This affects your sister.”
“You should have thought of that years ago.”
Madison flinched.
Jason looked at her, then back at me.
