Beneath the Calm

Sloane turned and walked through the gates of the Sterling family estate. As she stepped into the yard, she spotted Valerie standing on the second-floor balcony.

The light from inside the house shone behind her, making it hard to see her expression.

Sloane took a few steps forward, tilting her head up slightly, her eyes clouded with defeat and disappointment.

"Valerie, I didn't finish my task," Sl