"Or perhaps…" Zephyr muttered, placing a hand thoughtfully on his chin, his eyes narrowing. "Perhaps this new version of Anna...the kind lady, the protective sister is just another mask. Perhaps she has a plan in motion, one we can't yet see." His gaze sharpened as he turned toward Darius. "But the real question is this, Darius.... do we truly want that dark secret revealed to the world?"
Just then Darius, Auren, and Zephyr stormed out of the office, leaving Victoria, Mirabel, Anna, Damien, Theo, Lucian, and Callum alone in the tense silence that followed.
"I'm so sorry about that, Victoria," Anna said, standing up from her chair. She crossed the room and stopped beside Victoria, worry written across her face. "Those spoilt brats!...."
"It's okay, Anna." Victoria forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She smoothed the sleeve of her blouse and drew in a steadying breath. "I understand. Anyone would be furious if their private life were dragged into the open."
