Page 62 of Turmoil's Target

“Seraphina, brace yourself,” she warns in a low voice. “Your mother is in rare form today. I haven’t seen her this agitated in ages. Mentally prepare yourself before going in there.”

I nod curtly. “Thanks for the heads up, Janice. I’ll handle her.”

Squaring my shoulders, I march over to the imposing double doors and push them open without knocking.

I stride into my mother’s opulent office, all white and gold with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the shimmering desert city below.

Whatever fresh hell awaits me, I must face it with poise and composure befitting the Bernard family name.

But an uneasy feeling gnaws at my gut as I step inside to confront my mercurial mother and whatever new scheme she’s hatching.

The game is afoot, and I have no choice but to play my part.

“Mother, I’m here. What’s so urgent that you?—”

Before I can finish my sentence, she’s on me in a flash, her manicured hand wrapping around my throat and slamming me back against the wall.

I gasp in shock, my hands flying up to claw at her wrist.

Her ice blue eyes, so like my own, bore into me with unbridled fury as her fingers dig into my windpipe.

I’ve seen my mother angry countless times, but never like this.

Never with her hands on me in violence.

“You stupid, stupid little girl,” she hisses, her face inches from mine. “What the bloody hell have you done?”

Spots dance in my vision as I struggle for air.

None of this makes any sense.

What could I have possibly done to provoke such unhinged rage?

“Mum,” I rasp out. “I don’t understand...why are you...I can’t breathe...”

She releases me abruptly and I slump against the wall, dragging in ragged gulps of air.

My mind reels as I try to comprehend what’s happening.

I’ve always been the perfect daughter, the obedient soldier in her vengeful crusade.

So why do I suddenly feel like I’m the enemy?

What secrets has she been keeping from me?

Rubbing my bruised throat, I straighten up and face my seething mother.

Indignant anger swells in my chest, momentarily overriding the confusion and hurt.

“What the hell was that for?” I demand, my voice hoarse but defiant. “I’ve done nothing but follow your orders, dedicate my life to your bloody revenge mission. So why in God’s name are you attacking me?”

She laughs, a harsh, mirthless sound that sends chills skittering down my spine. “You really have no idea, do you? You’re even more naive than I thought.”

I clench my fists, determined not to cower under her withering glare. “Then enlighten me, Mum. What is this all about?”

She stalks over to her mahogany desk and leans against it, arms crossed. “It’s about your charming new boyfriend, Abe. The one you’ve been sneaking around with, putting everything we’ve worked for at risk.”

My heart stutters in my chest.

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