Chapter 508
Maily's POV
Half an hour dissolved into silver teacups and polite, empty small talk that meant absolutely nothing on the surface. Yet between every single string of words, I meticulously planted a tiny landmine, like a patient hunter scattering grain along a snare line.
When Adam began rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists, resting the heavy weight of his head against my shoulder, I rose gracefully from the sofa.
"It's time for his nap," I announced, pitching my voice with the quiet authority of someone calling a sacred hour. "I'll take him upstairs."
"I want to come with you," Julie interjected quickly, catching herself a beat later to soften her tone. "...If you don't mind."
I turned toward her, offering a warm, honeyed smile as I tilted my head ever so slightly.
