Valerie's POV
The moment our car entered the Rhys family estate, I felt small.
The main doors opened even before we fully stopped.
"Leo! Emily!"
Eleanor Rhys greeted us with excessive enthusiasm, her dress flawless, her hair perfectly styled, and a smile far too warm for someone usually cold and calculating. She hugged Leo first, then hugged me a second longer than what felt comfortable.
"You look thinner, Emily," she said gently, as if full of concern. "You need to be taken better care of."
I gave a faint smile. "I'm fine, Eleanor."
Behind her stood Jason, his expression as flat as ever. He didn't say much, just gave us a brief nod before heading inside ahead of us.
Nathan came in last.
As usual, he looked relaxed. His small smile never quite reached his eyes.
Lunch was… normal.
And that was exactly what made me uneasy.
The last few times I'd been here, the atmosphere was always tense.
