Chapter 118: Severing Ties
Adrian’s POV
The sun filtered through the glass walls of my office, casting patterns across the polished wood desk. I had just finished reviewing the vineyard’s latest expansion plans when my phone buzzed with an incoming call. The name on the screen sent a jolt through me: Margaret Blackwood.
It had been months since I’d last spoken to my mother, and even longer since I’d willingly taken her calls. My first instinct was to send it to voicemail, but something compelled me to pick up this time.
“Adrian,” her voice purred on the other end, smooth and calculated as ever.
“What do you want?” I asked, keeping my tone flat.
“Is that any way to greet your mother?” she replied, feigning hurt.
I clenched my jaw, refusing to fall into the trap of her theatrics. “I’m
