Chapter 11

Vanessa came to our house more and more often, playing the ingratiating little dear with my parents.

Not a single misstep in courtesy, not one thing anyone could pick apart.

I just watched, eyes cold.

Meanwhile, every single time she came, I took over playing hostess — making sure to fetch her a nice full glass of toilet water straight from the bathroom. I was sure she’d love it.

“Vanessa, I made this for you specifically.” Ethan piled food into her bowl attentively.

“Mom, I was thinking of going back to my old high school in a couple of days,” I said casually.

That caught Vanessa’s attention. She lifted her eyes and glanced at me.