CHAPTER 24
The predatory gaze in Prudence’s eyes was more than Sterling could stand. Just as his mother opened her mouth to speak again, Sterling cut in, “Mom, enough.” His voice a low, perfectly composed murmur that held a chilling, surgical precision of its own.
A bloodless line formed where Prudence’s lips had been. She did not raise her voice; she didn’t need to. Her entire body seemed to radiate a cold, still fury as she lifted her water glass and took a slow, deliberate sip. The motion was a masterful display of control, making Sterling’s outburst seem like a childish tantrum in comparison.
“I believe you’ve made your point,” he stated calmly, his voice a low, perfectly controlled murmur. He was not asking his mother to stop; he was telling her. With a chilling finality in his t
