Redecorating

Facing the puffed-up posture of her stepmother blocking the doorway, Serena lazily crossed her arms over her tailored suit. A playful but exceptionally dangerous glint flashed in her cool, dark eyes. The tension in the quiet hallway hung heavy in the air between the two women.

"Ms. Croft," Serena drawled, purposely using the older woman's maiden name to remind her of her illegitimate, grasping st