Chapter 2: The Matriarch’s Gambit
Daniel immediately straightened his tie, a flash of anxiety crossing his face. "Mother! You’re… early. I was just, uh, streamlining the household."
Eleanor didn't look at him. She looked at Sarah, who was still standing by the door, head bowed. Eleanor’s eyes scanned the room, landing on Chloe, who had suddenly let go of Daniel’s arm. The mistress looked like a deer caught in high-beam headlights.
"Streamlining?" Eleanor repeated, her voice a low, melodic purr. She walked slowly into the center of the foyer. "Is that what you call it, Daniel? Discarding your wife of seven years like a broken piece of furniture?"
"It’s not like that, Mom," Daniel stammered, his confidence wobbling. "Sarah has been… difficult. Chloe here understands me. She’s the future."
Eleanor’s smile was the most frightening thing in the room. It was devoid of warmth, like a predator acknowledging its kill. "The future. How optimistic."
May you like
She turned toward Sarah, who was still clutching her scarf. "And you, Sarah? Do you have anything to say before you leave?"
Sarah looked up. The tears were gone. In fact, her face was completely dry. Her posture shifted from the broken woman to something sharp, calculated, and dangerous.
