Chapter 79

Theo's POV I pulled through the familiar gates of my mother's residence. My hands gripped the steering wheel with controlled tension, the memory of Claire's bruised cheek fueling a cold fury that had been building since she'd told me about yesterday's confrontation. I'd left Claire at her apartment with promises that I would handle this, that she would never have to face my mother's cruelty alone again. The trust in her eyes as I'd kissed her goodbye had only strengthened my resolve. This ended today. The same stern-faced housekeeper who had admitted Claire yesterday opened the door, her expression shifting from practiced welcome to barely concealed nervousness when she saw my face. "Alpha," she said, the title automatic despite the family connection. "Luna Roanna is in the morning room. Shall I—" "Get out of my way," I cut her off, already moving past her into the house. I found my mother exactly where I expected—seated at the antique writing desk in her morning room, addressing what