CHAPTER 15

The purr of the luxury car's engine faded as Louis pulled up to the villa.

Before his hand even reached for the doorbell, the door swung open.

Victoria stood there, her face bright with a welcoming smile, clearly expecting someone else.

"Vivian, you're home! Is Ben joining us for din—"

Her expression soured instantly upon seeing Louis.

"Oh. It's you."

"Hello, Mom," Louis said politely.

The word tasted bitter, a habit he now despised but continued out of mere formality.

Victoria's eyes narrowed.

Victoria's face twisted with contempt.

"Don't you dare call me that!”

“You're like a stray mutt trying to sneak back into a warm house after being kicked out."

She said with disgust.

"I'm only here to collect my belongings," Louis explained calmly.

Louis let the insult wash over him, determined not to rise to the bait.

Breathe, he reminded himself. He wasn’t here for a fight.

Victoria barked out a laugh.

"Your belongings? What belongings? You're like a tick that's been living off my daugh