Chapter 150

Madison

“You look stressed, Maddie,” Mom said, reaching out to touch my hand. “Is that Alexander Knight fellow working you too hard?”

I nearly choked. If only she knew how hard he’d worked me over his desk just hours ago.

“It’s just the usual work stuff,” I said, recovering quickly. “Lots of responsibility.”

Mom sighed, her eyes taking on that distant look I’d come to dread. “If your father were still here, you wouldn’t have to push yourself so hard. He would have made sure we were taken care of.”

“Mom, please—”

“I know, I know,” she said, squeezing my hand. “It’s just... he was so good with money. We never worried when he was alive.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Dad had been gone for years now, but Mom still talked about him like he’d just stepped out for groceries.

“We’re doing okay now,” I assured her. “You focus on getting better.”

“Have you heard from your brother?” she asked suddenly.

I stiffened. “Mom, I