The mansion felt wrong. Too quiet. Like holding its breath.
Thunder rumbled outside. Faint. Distant. Leftover from the storm.
Eleanor Callahan sat alone in the dark living room. Glass of wine beside her. Untouched. Forgotten.
The television glowed. Blue light washing over her face.
News clips from the gala played on repeat. Over and over. Like punishment.
Landon's face filled the screen. Strong. Confident. Successful.
Headlines scrolled beneath.
BLACK GLOBAL'S CEO REVEALED TO BE LANDON CALLAHAN. A SHOCK TO THE BUSINESS WORLD.
The glass trembled in her hand. Liquid shaking. Catching light.
Her reflection stared back from the dark screen. Older. Harsher. A mother betrayed by her own son.
Her heart pounded. Disbelief mixing with fury. Hurt underneath both.
"
