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“He has a complicated relationship with them,” said Mom. “It’s been that way since they were born. He and his previous wife were great business partners but they sucked at home life. Noah, Corey, and Caleb watched their parents fighting every day. Such things can have a deep impact on children and leave long-lasting scars.”
“You knew about his previous wife?”
A strange expression descended into her soft brown eyes. Her mouth tightened as if she was struggling to stop a curse from falling through her lips.
A second later, two waiters arrived at our table, quickly filling up the surface with dishes of dainty sandwiches, mini frittatas, and elegant pastries. There was a jug of juice as well as a full tea service tray.
When the waiters left, Mom filled up my plate with food. “Eat,” she ordered. “You’ve been looking thinner than usual.”
“Thanks,” I said and bit into a pear-stuffed pastry. The buttery, flaky layers melted on my tongue, making me moan out loud.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” Mom asked.
“Yep,” I said, pushing the whole thing inside my mouth.
Mom chuckled and took a sip of tea.
Before she could change the subject, I repeated my earlier question. “Did you know Brian’s previous wife?”
“I knew her,” said Mom, looking into her teacup.
“What was she like?”
“That is none of your business, Milla.”
“Mom,” I whined.
She shook her head. “Don’t pry into the past. Besides, Victoria’s dead. There’s no need for us to remember what she was like.”
“I’m sure Noah, Caleb, and Corey remember.”
“They were children,” Mom said in a grim tone. “They were too young to understand. Then, she got sick and died, leaving a pitiful image behind.”
To my surprise, Mom scoffed. “She was always so dramatic.” Meeting my gaze, she added, “Either way, she’s got a lot to answer to me. Won’t be long before I see her again.”
“What kind of history did you two have? Do Noah and his brothers know?”
Mom shook her head. “They’re innocent like you. They don’t know anything. Brian wants to keep it that way and I agree with him. There’s no need to dredge up the past when it won’t change anything.”
“They’re not innocent,” I mumbled.
She chuckled. “They’re just kids.”
“That’s whatyouthink,” I said gravely. “Do you know how dangerous they are? They beat up people and don’t fear the consequences. Those who spoke up against them were mysteriously suspended from the university. They’re ruthless and evil. I don’t like being around them.”
“Brian will protect you.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want anyone protecting me. I’m old enough! Please, Mom. Don’t keep asking me to join them for dinner and parties. I hate it! Just let me live my life. Is that too much to ask—”
A sudden gagging noise cut me off.
Mom slapped a hand to her mouth and hastily stood up. Before I could say a thing, she ran.
“Mom!” I called after her but she didn’t stop.
I ran after her, narrowly missing colliding with a waiter with a full tray of food. Mumbling a quick apology, I entered the restroom.
Loud gagging noises followed by sounds of splashing water led me to a nearby cubicle. Mom was bent over a toilet, vomiting, and coughing.
