After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 76

As soon as she opened her mouth, I knew it.

She had come here with no good intentions.

I had read enough stories about the rich and powerful, about the weight of old money, and the quiet, measured elegance of those who wielded it like a weapon. Though I had never set foot in their world, I had seen how it worked.

Parks' mother-she was the kind of woman you didn't underestimate.

There was no aggression in her voice, no overt hostility in her expression.

And yet, somehow, as soon as she opened her mouth, she commanded the room.

Grace. Poised. Dangerous in a way that only the truly powerful can possess.

I had no idea what she wanted from me.

But I knew one thing.

This was more than just a simple dinner.

Still, I bowed my head slightly, politely, and greeted her.

"Good evening, Mrs. White."

I expected her to answer me coldly and cautiously.

Instead―

She beamed.

"This stupid boy," she said, giving Parks a pointed look that was half reproachful, half teasing. "He told me everything about both of you."

Then she turned to me, effortlessly, like someone who has spent her life directing conversations.

Her eyes were warm.

Too warm.

was he thinking? Handling things

shook her head

you want, honey. Yell at him, hit him, leave him—it's up to

Beside me, Pax tensed.

he asked, a flash

But she ignored him.

she

About Pax's father.

built

they had fought side by side as young

future neither of them had been born

easy to struggle together," she mused, her fingers absently running

her

she looked up at

"But what about prosperity?"

She smiled.

of her mouth

"That's the real test."

warning, she

incident left Pax standing still beside

was seven when

could sense he was tense,

"His father."

in

Naked.

Lifeless.

shattered their world, shattered everything Pax had

expected her to say