Julia's POV

"Going out again?" my mother asked, suspicion heavy in her voice as she rocked Adam in her arms.

Coming up with excuses was exhausting. To keep her from noticing the contrast, I put together a disguise. I wore old clothes, tied my hair into a loose bun, and hid the outfit I actually planned to wear inside my backpack.

"I'm picking up an extra night shift, waiting tables at a diner. I can't depend on Caesar for everything," I lied, holding her gaze.

I didn't know whether she b