I watched Seraphina's face crumple with satisfaction. My plan was working perfectly.
"Hannah is just wonderful with my father," I continued, twisting the knife deeper. "They've been talking for hours. I've never seen him so engaged with someone."
Seraphina blinked rapidly, clearly fighting tears. "That's... nice. I should probably wait for Leo in the study."
"Oh, didn't anyone tell you?" I feigned surprise. "Leo's tutoring session was moved to tomorrow. Dad called the school about a scheduling conflict."
Her face paled. "What? But I drove all the way here..."
"I'm so sorry," I said, not meaning a word of it. "I thought someone would have called you. Must have slipped Dad's mind while he was with Hannah."
Seraphina glanced back toward the parlor where Hannah's melodic laughter floated through the doorway. Her hand clutched her bag tighter, knuckles turning white.
"I should go then," she said quietly.
This was almost too perfect. I couldn't resist pushing further.
