HERMIONE
Mom's hand trembles, her rage barely contained, as she raises it, then lowers it and turns to face Aiden. "Aiden," she says in a smooth, polished tone. "I didn't expect you to visit."
Aiden's eyes flash with intensity as he steps further into the room. "Mrs. Pierce," he greets curtly. "I understand you're Hermione's mother, but a line needs to be drawn now that she's engaged. I won't tolerate her being mistreated or physically assaulted."
"You're misreading the situation," Mom begins, but Aiden interrupts, his voice firm. "I misread nothing. You would have hit her if I hadn't intervened. You didn't hold back last time."
Mom's body stiffens at Aiden's accusation, and she sweeps out of my office, her silence a testament to her anger.
The room falls silent after Mom's departu
