045

The Calm before the hurricane

Susan leaned against the kitchen counter, scrolling idly through her social media feed. Her eyes landed on a photo of Charlotte and Jasmine, and her jaw tightened.

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” she muttered under her breath, her gaze narrowing with disdain.

Eleanor walked into the kitchen, her sharp eyes immediately landing on her daughter. “Susan,” she said, her tone commanding. “Focus. We have work to do.”

Susan looked up, her smirk returning as if on cue. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m always focused.”

Eleanor gave her a curt nod. “Good. Because phase two starts tomorrow.”

ASTER'S ESTATE

"Are you all right?" Charlotte requested, her...