Chapter 53

“Hello, Mother,” Arec said.

He felt Eve’s hand tighten in his, but when he looked at her, she stared at his mother without expression.

“Hello, Arec,” his mother said from her seat.

She didn’t stand but waved him over to her.

“I’ll stand, thank you,” Arec said.

His mother’s eyes narrowed as she sniffed.

“Suit yourself, son,” she said.

When she remained silent, he sighed and asked, “What brings you by today, Mother?”

His mother’s eyes glanced at Eve before returning to her son, and she said, “I think you know.”

He nodded once and narrowed his eyes as he said, “But I’d like you to say it aloud.”

She glared at him before breaking his gaze and sighing.

“Fine,” she said, waving her hand. “I’m here because of her.”

She pointed at Eve, who gasped and looked at Arec, who turned to smile at her as he squeezed her hand again.

Eve’s face screwed up in a scowl, and she stepped forward.

“What is it that you have against me?” she asked. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enou