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
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