CHAPTER 2: THE PERFECT FAMILY LIE
“I can explain—” Mark started.
“No,” Robert said. “You already did.”
He turned to the guests. “No one leaves.”
Phones slowly came out.
Not to help Mark.
But to protect themselves.
Diane stood up, her elegance completely shattered. “This is private family business.”
Robert’s voice sharpened. “Abuse is never private.”
He picked up the vial. “What is this?”
Diane said nothing.
Emily’s voice came faintly through the glass. “That’s why I couldn’t move…”
Everyone turned.
Robert opened the door.
“Say that again.”
Emily stepped inside, shaking but standing.
“She gave me something,” Emily said, pointing at Diane. “Said it was for anxiety… but it made me weak… dizzy… I couldn’t fight back.”
Gasps rippled through the room.
Mark’s face drained of color. “That’s not—she wanted help—”
“You drugged my daughter,” Robert said.
May you like
Mark didn’t answer.
Because he couldn’t.
