The professional insight twisted something inside of her. Always analyzing. Always precise. Never acknowledging the current that crackled between them like the holiday bows catching the winter frost.

“Well,” Mrs. Vinhyame’s posture stiffened almost imperceptibly, “we do try to maintain certain community standards. It’s important to respect proper authority in these matters.”

Daniel inhaled sharply beside her, settling back into his seat with deliberate control - a muscle jumping in his jaw, fingers pressing white-knuckled against the table’s edge. Sophia’s pen stilled mid-note, her chest deflating as she exchanged a loaded glance with Juniper. The weight of realization settled over them like frost claiming autumn leaves.

Oh, this is just perfect, Juniper thought, her mind racing in its familiar spiral. _Every single one hand-picked from his territory. Might as well have Roma’s stamp of approval on their foreheads. And here I am, what - expecting impartiality? Get it togethe…