Blood trickled from Brylee's forehead. Cowering in fear, she sought refuge behind her mother, her voice caught in her throat.

Barlow bent to retrieve his phone, then turned his attention to Harlan.

"I've said before, it's in your best interest to cut ties with a woman as morally bankrupt and malicious as her. She'll only weigh you down.”

Harlan managed a strained smile, watching as Barlow departed with Rosalynn. A pang of envy tugged at him.

He wished he could count himself among Rosalynn's suitors.