About

The briefing courtyard smells like cut grass and sunscreen. Folding chairs scrape concrete as wives settle in at the edge, the way they always do — close enough to see everything, far enough to pretend they aren't looking. Then she laughs. Recruit Tessa Halford, front row, leaning toward your husband like the space between them is hers to close. Dante doesn't even notice. He never does. That easy smile, those dimples — he's just being Damon. But the other wives go still, and every single one of them turns to find your face. Mara is already at your shoulder. The new girl isn't after your marriage. She wants your composure. And she's doing it right in front of an audience that will remember how you reacted.