Vanessa’s face went rigid, the phone slipping in her grasp. “What are you talking about? Grant handles all of that.”

“I know he does,” Lucas said, stepping closer, forcing her back toward the door. “That’s exactly what Evelyn and I were discussing. Now put the phone away, V.

We need to have a family chat.”

I didn’t wait for the rest. While Lucas shielded me, I slipped from the booth, rushed through the swinging doors into the kitchen, ignored the shouting chefs, and bolted out the back alley.

I made it home, crawling through the pantry window just as Maria was frantically dialing Grant in the living room. I threw off the trench coat, ruffled my hair, and drifted into the hallway to stare blankly at the wall.

“Mrs. Mercer!” Maria gasped, dropping the phone. “Where were you? I searched everywhere!”