Chapter 36

The heavy wooden door creaked as I pushed it open. Lavender and polished mahogany hit me all at once.

Home.

But tonight, it felt anything but welcoming. My feet barely touched the marble floor before the maids rushed over, their eyes darting between relief and fear.

“Katrina!” My mother’s voice cut through the room, sharp and frantic.

She stood at the top of the grand staircase, eyes wide and wild. “Oh gosh, Katrina! Where have you been? We’ve been searching for you for twenty-four hours! If we hadn’t found you, we would’ve reported it to the police gamma!”

“Sorry, Mom,” I croaked, my throat sore from crying. The words felt empty, distant.

“Come here, you brat!” she snapped, descending the stairs quickly. Her grip on my arm was tight, almost painful, as she shoved me onto the couch. Her face was flushed with anger.

“Mom, please,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. “Can we talk about this tomorrow? I’m exhausted.”

“Absolutely not!” she barked, crossing her arms. “I need ans