Chapter 48: Sofia

I shoot Grace a questioning look over my mother's shoulder, but the other woman shrugs in response.

"I'm just relieved that you're okay." Mama tucks a lock of hair behind my ear and pats my shoulder.

I frown in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be?" Is she referring to the Russian situation? I can't imagine my father hasn't kept her up-to-date with the recent developments. "Roman never let me out of his sight, Mama. I was perfectly safe the entire time."

Instead of softening with relief, her expression turns murderous. Her dark eyes fill with a mixture of contempt and disgust. She glances toward the wing my father's office is located in. "That man will no longer be working for us."

My throat closes. "What are you talking about?"

She shoots a nasty glare at the hallway. "He's a traitor."

"Roman?" I breathe.

"Don't ever say that man's name in this house again!" she snaps, drawing herself up to her full height.

I thought we had time to make a plan before talking to my father. But we