Chapter 51
Derek's
I stared at my mother. She was the woman I never thought I would see again in this lifetime. She stood in the center of my study, looking exactly the same as she did in my memories. She had those same sharp, calculating eyes that seemed to see through everything. She held herself with a cold posture that made it clear she felt superior to everyone else in the room. Even after all these years, she still carried herself like she owned the world, and specifically, like this room belonged to her. Years had passed since she walked out, but it seemed as if nothing about her character had changed at all.
I forced myself to move. Slowly, I walked toward her. I made sure each of my steps was measured and controlled. I did not want to show her any weakness. I did not want her to see how much her presence actually bothered me.
"Why are you here?" I asked. My voice was cold and hard.
