This time, every single person present heard her clearly.

A tall, elegant woman in a black dress stepped out from under the shade of the canopy.

Her blonde hair was styled perfectly, and despite the summer heat, not a single strand looked out of place.

Valerie Vance looked far less like a grieving widow and much more like an executive attending a business meeting.

Her blue eyes widened in shock when she recognized the older woman approaching.

“Mrs.