章 63: Parting Shadows

I sat in my room, gazing at the camera Bruno had installed in my room to monitor me.

I wondered if he had heard the conversation I just had with my parents, but honestly, I couldn't care less.

The truth my parents had just laid bare twisted and turned in my mind, knotting my stomach into a coil of dread and confusion. But as I began to gather my thoughts, a sharp knock on the door made me startle.

The door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered guard entered, his face blank. He was one of Bruno's men, his presence a silent, looming reminder that no moment in this mansion was ever truly private.

"Ma'am," he said, his voice clipped, polite yet carrying a note of authority. "Your parents' visit is over. It's getting late. There's a car waiting outside to take them home."

I stiffened, glancing back at my parents, who looked equally shocked by this sudden end to their visit. 

My mother opened her mouth to argue, her face lined with worry.