The rain hadn't stopped.
Neither had Lucas's fury.
“You think I wouldn't find out?" His voice echoed off the marble walls as the shattered vase hit the floor.
Ella flinched as the shards scattered near her feet.
Brandon stood frozen by the door, face pale. “Sir, please—she was only gone a few hours—"
“Shut up," Lucas snapped. “I'm not paying you to defend her."
Ella stepped between them. “It wasn't Brandon's fault. I took the van."
“And what, exactly, gave you that right?"
“She's my mother!"
Lucas's eyes darkened. “Not anymore."
The words hit like a slap.
He strode toward her, every step louder than the last.
“You broke the rules. You lied. You snuck out like some petty thief."
“I needed to see her," Ella said. “You wouldn't even let me call."
“You had a contract."
“She's my
