"Ms. Nicholson, don't just sit there. The beef is delicious. You should try some," Natasha said.

She seemed to have just noticed Dahlia sitting there in silence. Her tone was warm, but her smile carried a hint of triumph.

"Thank you," Dahlia replied, looking up and forcing a smile.

She picked up a slice of beef, but her throat felt tight, and she could barely swallow. She tried to find something to say, both to break the awkward silence and to satisfy her curiosity about what Dustin had been