Verena looked like she wanted to say something. Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment I braced myself for another tirade—but nothing came. She swallowed her words and looked away.
Smart move.
She probably realized that anything she said now would backfire. Mia's current state was fragile—emotionally cracked open. She wasn't going to listen to anyone else right now, not even her supposed "best friend." Especially not someone trying to wedge themselves between siblings.
Verena could try again later. She would. I knew her type—persistent manipulators never gave up that easily.
But for now? She shut her mouth.
Still, something gnawed at the back of my mind. Mia's sudden change… it didn't feel natural. Sure, it could've just been because we hadn't seen each other in a while, and emotions were high—but still. Something didn't add up.
But whatever. I didn't have time to psychoanalyze right now.
I pushed the unease aside and motioned for Mia to follow me.
