Chapter 5

William and Emily took me to Alice's office. They left me sitting in the outer room while they went inside to talk to her.

"Juliana is young and trusting," William said, his tone clipped and professional. "We expect you to look out for her, not let her get used like this without even knowing it."

Emily's voice was quieter but just as firm. "Juliana has some issues and she doesn't like to talk much, but that's not an excuse for her to be isolated and gossiped about."

Alice rubbed her temples and let out a soft sigh. "I've been encouraging…