Chapter 144

Rose paced the tiny motel room, her expensive boots wearing a path in the cheap carpet. The walls closed in on her, yellow from decades of cigarette smoke, spotted with water stains. How had it come to this? She, Rose Lewis, hiding in this filthy place while her sister lived in luxury.

The TV blared the noon news. Rose turned up the volume when she heard the words “Kane Industries.”

“The annual Phoenix Foundation charity gala will proceed as planned this Friday night, despite recent security concerns,” the reporter announced. “Camille Kane released a statement today confirming that the event, which raises funds for the Children’s Hospital, will not be postponed.”

The camera cut to Camille standing at a podium, looking confident and polished. “We refuse to let fear dictate our actions,” she said, her voice strong. “The children who benefit from this gala need our support now more than ever.”

Rose hurled her coffee mug at the TV screen. It shattered, coffee spl