Aurelia's POV
Caesar pulled a chair closer to the bed, settling into it with the casual confidence of a man who held all the power. The sight of him getting comfortable while I lay bound and helpless made my skin crawl.
"Let me explain your situation," he said conversationally, as if we were discussing the weather. "Your mother is currently at our estate as a 'guest.' She thinks she's here for a lovely family dinner."
My heart stopped.
"You're lying," I whispered, though I could see the truth in his cold green eyes.
"Am I?" Caesar pulled out his phone and showed me a photo. My mother, smiling and laughing at an elegant dining table, completely unaware she was being used as leverage against her daughter.
The image made me physically sick.
"She looks happy, doesn't she?" Caesar observ
