“Your job doesn’t include trespassing and filming children without their parents’ permission,” Alex said, his voice quiet but dangerous. “Delete it. Now.”
Kenzie’s mask slipped. For just a second, I saw something cold and ugly flash across her face.
“Fine.” She made a show of deleting the video, but I noticed she didn’t hand over her phone for verification. “I was just trying to help build buzz for the show. For Lila’s career.”
“By invading our privacy?” Lila asked.
“By making you a star.” Kenzie held her phone close to her chest. “You should be thanking me. I’m the one who willeventually get the network to buy six episodes. I’m the one pushing your content. Without me, you’ll still be a nobody designer in a small town.”
The patio went silent.
“Get out,” Seraphina said. “Now. Before I call the police.”
Kenzie looked around at all of us. Her smile was thin and venomous.
“See you Monday, Lila. Early call time.” She looked at me. “Both of you. The network wants more footage of the homeowner and designer working together.”
She walked away, heels clicking on the stone path. After she was gone, no one spoke for a moment.
“That woman is unhinged,” Delphine said finally.
“She’s scary,” Esme added. “Did you see the way she was looking at everyone? Like she was cataloging us?”
I set Margot down gently. “Go inside with Mia, sweetheart. We’ll be right there.”
After the kids went in, I turned to Lila’s friends. “We need help. Kenzie’s been sabotaging the renovation, leaking information to gossip sites, stalking Lila’s house. We called the police, but they can’t do anything without a direct threat.”
“Then we document everything,” Seraphina said. “Every interaction. Every incident. Build a case.”
Alex pulled out his phone. “I have a friend who’s a private investigator. Former FBI. Specializes in harassment cases. If you want, I can make a call.”
I looked at Lila. She nodded, eyes glistening.
“Make the call,” I said.
As we walked to the car, Mama, Lila and Mia behind us, Margot slipped her hand into mine.
“Papa?”
“Yeah, mon cœur?”
“I like it here. In Willet Cove. With you.”
My throat tightened. “I like having you here.”
“And I like Lila. And Mia.”
“They like you too. Very much.”
“Bella said it takes time. To feel like you belong in a family. But that it happens eventually if you’re open to it.”
“Bella’s a smart girl.”
“She said her new mom never gave up on her. Even when she was mean.”
I glanced down at her. “Are you worried about being mean?”
“Sometimes I don’t feel like talking. Or I get sad and I don’t know why.”
