pte

rren Ma

rl froze on the threshold. She had seen the

lavender duvet so plush it looked like a cloud. At the foot of the bed lay a massive purple teddy bear, its glass eyes reflecting the glow of a wall-mounted televisio

ow smile. Focus, Pearl. Breathe.

, Mia,"

commute wasn't worth the trouble." Her tiny reflection in the mirror looke

lmost. But not enough to

ol. You'll be handling that from now on." Mia stood, smoothi

king irritation with a calm tone. A

alm. She walked to her desk, picked up a crisp white she

r, her eyes widening as she scanned the ti

ng for me befo

k and a good night pe

akfast once in a while (I

hate

repeatin

ears. Only Dad is

I expect you t

to Dad every morning

eart skipping a beat. Every morning?

a said, hopping onto her bed and cross

e are

" Mia directed with a

signer paradise surrounding her. Focus. Get the shoes. Survive.

ready?" P

and fixed Pearl with a stare that could cut glass. "I heard that most smiles

ready. Before she could answer, Mia swept past her and hea

Master Suite. Mia pushed them open without kno

a voice barke

She signaled fo

e sandalwood and the sharp edge of power. Ace was at his mirr

ing instantly as he scooped her up. He kissed her cheek

her head slightly. Keep it neutral.

The warmth evaporated. "Are

replied evenly. Lie if y

e for school, Mia," Ace

n the edge of his bed, crossing her

mise. I said

he groaned, voice thick wit

n heart. "I always keep my word, Mia

looked back at Pearl, who was still taking in the sheer opulence. "Are y

breathe. Don't answer like

firm, "you shouldn't talk to your nanny

exclaimed, throwing her ha

f shared exhaustion-before turning to follow. Focus.

ed in the corner-a figure watching from the security