Damien Blackwood gripped his phone so tightly that the screen crackled under his thumb as Victor's voice slid through the speaker like hot oil.

—I think it's time we had a private conversation about your mother, Lila.

Damien's free hand slammed its knuckles against the kitchen counter. He pulled the phone away from his ear for half a second, breathing heavily through his nose, then slammed it back against his hand.

"Victor," she said in a low, sharp voice, "listen to me carefully now. Stay far