Setting the Record Straight

Cora's POV

A roasted chicken glistened at the center of the table, surrounded by fresh vegetables and rice.

I stared at the spread in disbelief.

My mother had pulled this together in less than two hours. The same woman who usually reheated leftovers or ordered takeout had somehow produced a feast that belonged in a restaurant.

"Please, Mr. Thorne, help yourself." My mother gestured to the food, he