Recap
Victoria's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scrutinized him. "Is that any way to talk to your own mother? After all I've done for you?" She stepped closer, her tone colder. "You've changed, Benjamin. And I don't like it one bit."
+++
Max smirked, leaning into the charade. "Maybe it's you who's changed. Maybe it's time you stopped meddling in my life."
Victoria's eyes flashed, momentarily caught off guard by the edge in his voice. She shook her head, a hint of disdain in her gaze. "How dare you speak to me like that? I've built this empire for you, given you everything—and now you repay me by pushing me away for a woman who's done nothing but divide this family?"
Max kept his composure, though he could feel his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You need to back off. My life, my choices, are no longer up for discussion. Consider that my final word on the matter."
