Chapter 148

As we stood before my mother, the air was so thick with tension it could be sliced with a knife. Her icy gaze pierced mine, and I felt my heart shrink.

My mother's gaze shifted to Chase, her expression twisting into a hateful glare. "And you," she spat, her voice venomous. "I never thought I'd see the day you'd darken my doorstep again."

Her words were so harsh, I winced like she had hit me physically.

Chase's expression remained neutral, but I sensed his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Hello, Meredith," he said, his voice even.

My mother's lips curled into a sneer. "Don't bother greeting me, Chase. Your presence is unwelcome. If it were left to me, you would be escorted out here by the cops."

I was about to responded when Daniel appeared beside my mother, a forced smile on his ever handsome face. "Ah, Elodie, Chase, welcome. It's...good to see you."

The air was filled with tension as we exchanged light greetings. Daniel's attempt to lighten the mood fell flat.

My mother's voic