The speed then increased almost to its earlier maximum intensity, so I hurriedly added, sensing what she expected from me and if I complied, the intensity would decrease, "Ms. Amber."

"Good. Now get going, Cass," she said, waving me off like she would a peasant, while the vibrations shut down completely.

"Yes, Ms. Amber," I repeated, my cheeks flushed, as I walked out of my office... once again flustered... once again humiliated... and now stressing about my mother.

As soon as I closed the door behind me, I complained, "You could have told me my mother was in there."

"Ms. Amber ordered me not to," Sophia said, "But I did...