Sorry, Too Late
It was still a top-level secret, passed around only within tight, controlled groups—but anyone who'd been paying attention still caught wind of it.
…
At the Solberg Residence…
Stefan usually didn't get home until after seven because of work. But that day, he burst in at 4 p.m., so frantic that Cynthia could only stare at him in shock.
"What happened? Why are you home so early?"
"Something big just happened! Word from Mr. Solomon's side is that the drakeblood gemstone in his possession turned out to be fake!"
"What?" Cynthia swayed, like the news might knock her off her feet. Tears sprang to her eyes as she shouted, "Doesn't that mean Evan is in danger? Why are you just standing there? Do som