Before Clara could argue further, Elena sighed.
The familiar sibling dynamic was already giving her a headache.
"Okay."
Both Hales looked at her.
Elena pointed toward the rear section of the penthouse.
"We can sit by the pool."
Without waiting for either of them to object, she turned and began walking away.
Clara immediately moved to follow.
She barely took two steps before a hand closed around her arm.
Clara stopped.
Slowly looking back.
Alaric's expression had lost all traces of amusement.
"What?"
His gaze narrowed.
"Tell me what you're planning this time."
For a brief moment, genuine irritation flashed across Clara's face.
"I'm not planning anything, okay?"
"That's not reassuring."
"It's the truth."
Alaric remained unconvinced.
Which wasn't surprising.
Yesterday's events were still fresh in his mind.
The accusations.
The interrogation.
The phone search.
By the end of it, Elena had looked exhausted.
