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 with

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

Beside me, Pax tensed.

side are you on, Mom?" he asked, a flash of irritation crossing

But she ignored him.

night, she

About Pax's father.

they had built their empire from

they had fought side by side as young men, enduring hardships

neither of them had been

she mused,

of her wine

she looked up at

"But what about prosperity?"

She smiled.

corners of her mouth curved slowly,

"That's the real test."

without warning,

Pax standing still

seven when it

could sense he was tense, but his

"His father."

dead in a

Naked.

Lifeless.

world, shattered everything Pax had grown

to say