Chapter 75

• James shifted uncomfortably, glancing at his wife, torn between his instinct to protect her and the reality of their situation. “Laura, don’t,” he said quietly, but she pressed on.
• “James needs to be with us,” Laura continued, her voice rising slightly. “He’s a good man, a devoted father. We didn’t mean any harm! I was just upset, and I said something I shouldn’t have. Please, don’t do this to us!”
• Dante watched her, his expression inscrutable. “You think that your words don’t have consequences?” he replied, his voice calm yet firm. “You insulted someone in my circle, and that doesn’t come without repercussions.”