Chapter 27. At the Mayor’s House

Willow could hear Zoey’s cheerful chatter on the back patio of Veronica’s main house. She hesitated to approach, but the maids had called her twice to join them for breakfast.

Reluctantly, Willow went to the back terrace, feeling her stomach growling. She felt guilty for giving in to the demands of her hunger.

Willow’s knock on the door drew Max and Zoey’s attention away from their conversation. It was surprising to Willow that Veronica was absent. It made her feel more relaxed.

“Sorry I’m late,” Willow apologized.

“Uncle Max is making food, Mom!” Zoey interjected enthusiastically.

Max and Willow exchanged looks for a moment. Inside, Willow wondered how it felt for Max to be called ‘Uncle’ by his own daughter.

“Oh, what kind of food hack?” Willow asked casually.

She sat across from Max and tried to calm her pounding heart. Willow had once dreamed of having breakfast with Max and herself — a happy, typical family. But that dream had been shat