Emma sat across from Ava at their usual corner table in the café. The afternoon light slanted through the windows, catching the steam rising from their lattes. Emma’s fingers traced the rim of her mug. She looked brighter than she had in weeks, her eyes carrying a new spark that made Ava’s stomach twist with unease.“I have been spending real time with Julian,” Emma said. Her voice was quiet but steady. “Not just quick meetings or awkward phone calls. We had dinner last night. Talked for hours. He is… the brother I actually chose.”Ava’s hand tightened around her cup. The words landed like a quiet blow. She forced her expression to stay neutral, but inside alarm bells rang. Julian had been patient. Methodical. Playing the wounded son with perfect precision. Charming in public. Ice cold in private. And now he had Emma’s ear. Her sympathy. Her trust.“Tell me about it,” Ava said carefully. She kept her tone light, but her mind raced with warnings she could not voice. Saying Julian was d
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