Cruel Echoes

Miriam choked in outrage, clutching her chest as she staggered backward and collapsed into a chair, gasping for air.

Conrad rushed to her side to hold her steady. "Mom, please calm down."

But Miriam could only point weakly at Cleo, stammering, "You— You—"

Dominic dragged Cleo out of the room and ordered the guards to keep watch over her before returning. His tone was deliberately dismissive. "She'