I felt my phone vibrate inside my pocket.
A message appeared from Chloe.
“Mom says you’re ruining my birthday because you’re jealous everyone is celebrating me.”
I stared at the words until they blurred.
Another message arrived almost immediately.
“Is Leo really in intensive care?”
I typed with trembling fingers.
“Yes, Chloe, he’s being placed on a ventilator right now.”
Three dots appeared beneath her name.
Then disappeared.
Then appeared again.
“She told everyone he only had a minor fever.”
I felt a fresh wave of anger wash over me.
Chloe sent another message.
“She’s about to give a speech about being a devoted grandmother.”
I stared at the screen.
Then a photograph appeared.
It showed the St.
Regis ballroom, glittering with chandeliers, white roses, and gold-covered tables.
Behind the podium stood a massive projection screen displaying a photograph of Leo.
He was smiling in the backyard, holding a toy truck David had repaired for him.
