Theo's POVValerie’s perfume wrapped around me the moment she stepped fully into the entrance hall, that same expensive floral scent she had worn since we were teenagers running through Marc’s carefully curated world. It pulled me back instantly to the cold, emotionless version of myself he had shaped after my parents’ blood soaked the floor of my father’s office. She looked elegant as always, her blonde hair styled perfectly, her smile perfect like she had rehearsed it in the mirror before arriving.“Theo, darling,” she purred, moving forward without hesitation and wrapping her arms around my neck. She held on a second too long, her body pressing close as if we were still those children with futures already mapped out for us. “It’s been far too long. Marc sends his regards… and his expectations, of course.”I returned the hug stiffly, my arms barely tightening around her. “Valerie,” I said, keeping my voice even. “You look good.”She pulled back just enough to look at me, her fing
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