chapter 61

I knocked gently on my mother’s office door before sliding it open just enough to poke my head in. I stepped inside with a smile that barely masked the swirling thoughts I was carrying with me.

“My gosh, you must be exhausted,” I remarked, making my way over to the large desk where she sat. My eyes danced over the pieces of art scattered around—beautiful creations, all waiting for the right moment to shine. “You’ll need to up the sales to make a case for father. Want me to tell you an easy, surefire way to do it?” I asked, my voice light but teasing as I stood close to her, leaning on the desk.

Mother’s brow furrowed with mild confusion. “You?” she asked, eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned forward, her hands folded on the desk. “What is it?”

“Me!” I grinned, tapping my chest with a flourish, as if I were revealing a grand secret.

“What?” she chuckled, the confusion deepening in her expression as her smile faded slightly.

Before I could continue, there was a knock at the door. Mothe