“Then stop using your private life to justify taking Laura’s home,” Julian replied.

I felt a rush of gratitude so unexpected it made my eyes sting.

Someone else had finally said aloud what I’d been trying to explain to myself.

The evening ended without the theatrical defeat Ofelia had expected and without the instant justice I might once have wished for.

The caterers packed leftover food.

Margaret hugged me before leaving.

Julian promised to call the next day.

Mark went upstairs.