The room's atmosphere grew tense as Eleanor's request hung in the air. Anna's mind raced, processing the unexpected proposition. A trip to Thailand? For four days? The idea was as exhilarating as it was daunting.
Anna’s pulse quickened as she glanced between mother and son. Jaden’s face had hardened, his jaw set in a way she was starting to recognize—a warning sign.
“You can’t be serious,” Jaden repeated, his voice low, strained.
Eleanor Blackwell, ever the epitome of grace, merely offered a gentle smile, though Anna didn’t miss the calculating glint in her eyes. She was not a woman easily dissuaded. Her hands, adorned with pristine rings, rested delicately on the table as she leaned forward slightly.
“Oh, but I am, darling,” she said smoothly. “It’s only four days.”
Jaden’s lips part
