[Carter Mansion]
Patricia stormed into the living room like a thundercloud.
"I swear to God," she announced, dropping her bag on the couch, "if one more rich family tries to fix me, I am committing a felony."
Evelyn looked up instantly. "Patricia, what happened?"
Melissa, who had been sorting flowers at the table, frowned. "Fix you how?"
Patricia opened her mouth—then noticed Ursula seated by the window, calmly sipping tea.
She stopped short.
"Hi, Grandma Ursula," she said, forcing a breath. "Sorry. I am in a mood."
Ursula glanced at her over the rim of her cup, eyes sharp but fond. "I can see that, darling. Sit before you combust."
Patricia collapsed onto the couch beside Evelyn with a groan.
Melissa crossed her arms. "Okay, I am clearly missing something."
Evelyn hesitated, then asked, "Is it about Lucas?"
That made Patricia sit up. "And his mother."
"Helen Hart?" Melissa blinked. "What did she do?"
