<b>Chapter </b><b>202 </b>


    It almost felt like Rowan was trying to rify things for Elissa–trying to make sure she understood his rtionship with Lorraine.


    Tanya leaned in close, whispering in Elissa’s ear, “I have to give it to your


    boyfriend–he’s quick to shut down any rumors. Doesn’t even give you a chance to wonder.”


    Elissa wanted to set her straight, to tell her the truth, but she bit her tongue.


    Even though Rowan hadn’t spared Lorraine’s feelings, Lorraine chose to stay in the lounge with everyone else.


    The mood shifted, a subtle tension threading through the room.


    Rowan acted oblivious, dropping onto the couch and ncing briefly at Tanya beside Elissa, then lowering his gaze to his phone, idly scrolling or maybe texting


    someone–no one could tell.


    Elissa didn’t dare sit next to Frank; instead, she tugged Tanya over and they imed a spot in the far corner.


    In the end, it was Bradley who broke the ice. “Let’s y truth or dare,” he suggested, trying to liven things up.


    They went with the ssic rules: spin the bottle, and whoever it points to has to answer a question or take a dare from whoever spun it.


    No one had to think too hard; whether they’d yed before or not, everyone joined in easily.


    They were all friends here, or at least familiar enough, and the game quickly brought theughter back. Lorraine, ever the social chameleon, slipped right back into the group’s rhythm.


    After a few rounds, folks started to loosen up.


    Elissa managed to dodge the bottle every time, narrowly escaping the spotlight.


    But this round, the bottle stopped right in front of Tanya.


    One of Bradley’s buddies grinned and asked, “What’s your type? Any requirements for your ideal partner?”


    The group immediately erupted with teasing shouts and whistles.


    12.08


    They were adults–everyone knew exactly what was being implied.


    Tanya wasn’t the shy type. Sheughed and started ticking things off on her fingers. “Let’s see… at least six–foot–one, works out every day, totally loyal-”


    “Alright, alright, we get it.”


    She didn’t get to finish; the door swung open with a sudden thud.


    Everyone turned. Rex Wilkinson strode in, his gold–rimmed sses catching the light, giving him that polished, almost ascetic look–like he’d juste straight from a meeting.


    Elissa followed everyone’s gaze to the door, only to see Rowan beckoning her over. “Come here,” he called.


    She hesitated, and in that moment, Rex was already standing beside her, clearly waiting for her to move so he could sit.


    Elissa had never asked Tanya directly about her and Rex, but she’d picked up enough hints. She got to her feet, making room for him.


    Once Rex sat next to Tanya, the group’s teasing only grew louder.


    Bradley, always the joker, piped up, “Rex, when did you and Tanya’s sister get so close? Keeping secrets, huh?”


    Rex just smiled quietly. “I wouldn’t say we’re that close yet.”


    Bradley shot a nce at the guy who’d asked about Tanya’s type. “You can give up now<i>, </i>man. If Rex can’t win her over, you don’t stand a chance.”


    Elissa had just sat back down when it was Rowan’s turn to spin the bottle.


    He leaned forward, long legs stretching out, and his knee brushed against Elissa’s calf–maybe by ident, maybe not.


    The bottle spun around, finally stopping in front of Frank.


    Elissa was surprised. She watched as Rowan looked straight at Frank and, in an even voice, asked, “Back then, why did you have to marry her?”


    He didn’t name names, but everyone knew who he meant.


    The room, once buzzing withughter, fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.


    Frank froze for a moment, his gaze drifting to Elissa. There was a flicker of regret in


    his eyes. After a pause, he reached for his ss, downed the whiskey in one long


    <b>12.08 </b>


    swallow, not leaving a drop.


    Someone silently refilled his ss–that was the rule. If you refused to answer, you


    had to drink three times.


    Elissa stared at the floor the whole time, as if she were just an observer, not really


    there.


    Lost in thought, she didn’t realize the bottle had spun again andnded right in front


    of her.


    She was just about to look up to see who had spun it this time when Lorraine spoke up, her voice cutting through the quiet.


    “So, Elissa–which matters more to you: Mr. Atwater or your brother?”