The air shifts.

A flicker of unease—maybe suspicion—crosses Aubrey’s face, but it’s gone as quickly as it appeared. “Life is full of difficult choices,” she says, her tone measured. “But I’ve never been afraid to make them when it’s for the greater good.”

Bile rises in my throat.

The greater good. That’s what she tells herself. That’s how she justifies it.

Aubrey killed for control. For power. Not for love. Love doesn’t make you slip poison into a cup. Love doesn’t make you turn accidents into murder.

Mo nods, a slow smile spreading across her face. “That’s what I admire about you, Auntie. You’ve got guts. Most people wouldn’t have the nerve to do what you do.”

Aubrey’s gaze sharpens, flicking briefly between Mo and Selene before settling on me. Does she see it? The truth bleeding through the cracks in my mask?

“You’re all being so complimentary this morning,” she says, her voice light but her smile tight. “I almost feel like I’m being buttered up for a favor.”

I shrug, forcing a casual tone. “This is your first anniversary without Uncle Gabe, we just wanted to do what we could to make today as perfect as we could for you. Besides, we’re just giving credit where it’s due. You’ve always been good at thinking three steps ahead. It’s a little inspiring, honestly.”

Aubrey chuckles, but there’s a wary edge to her laughter now. “Well, thank you, Teddy. That means a lot coming from you.”

She still calls me that. Like I’m still the little boy who ran into her arms when he scraped his knee. Like I’m still blind to who she is.

Selene picks up the thread smoothly. “I guess that’s why everyone trusted you so much. You always seemed to have everything under control.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say everyone,” Aubrey replies, her smile returning but her eyes narrowing slightly. “There were always a few doubters here and there. But I’ve never let that bother me.”

“Of course not,” Mo says, leaning back on her hands. “You’re way too smart for that. You probably had them all figured out anyway.”

Aubrey’s fingers tighten slightly around her glass, the movement subtle but telling. “Well,” she says slowly, “it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you pay attention to the details.”

Selene nods, her gaze steady. “And when you make sure there aren’t any loose ends.”

For the briefest moment, Aubrey’s composure wavers. Her smile remains, but there’s a flash of cold calculation in her eyes—defensiveness, perhaps, or even calculation. It’s gone in an instant, replaced by a practiced warmth. “Exactly,” she says smoothly. “Loose ends can ruin everything if you’re not careful.”