Ludmilla leaned over the macaron recipe, bracing herself against the kitchen counter. María-José was sorting through food colorings.

Viktoria paced the parking garage, irritation radiating off her. For the first time in her life, she had no idea what to expect. She’d lost control.

Dajana stood in front of the balcony doors with her hands clasped behind her back, gazing out over the view below. In the kitchen, Timothy clinked glasses as he fixed the drinks.

Dajana hurried toward Viktoria’s house with her head held high and her shoulders pulled back. She’d had enough of the whole circus and wanted to put an end to this nightmare once and for all. A tight knot formed in her throat, but she didn’t slow down.

Carlos scanned the courtyard carefully, then closed the terrace door. He turned the key in the lock and gestured for Esteban to follow him upstairs.

“What exactly do you want me to do?” Dajana asked, forcing herself to sound calm.

Timothy stepped very close to her. Dajana instinctively leaned back.

Dajana made no attempt to hide her anger. She kept her distance from all three men.

The three men climbed upward in silence through the dark, stifling stairwell. As always when he came to Timothy’s place, a wave of disgust rose in Noud.

“Feel free to head over to the pool—there’s plenty to eat.”

Only then did Bernard notice the round tables set up in the courtyard and the serving table covered with long white cloths.

“Surprise!” the twenty-five guests shouted at once.

Bernard froze, then instinctively forced a wide smile onto his face. He jerked his head from side to side in the crowded living room, trying to figure out what was happening.