#Chapter 225: Runs in the Family

Elijah Agnes left the dinner table in a hurry, but I knew what was happening just from one look. The way she clenched her fists, her abrupt departure—she was having another flare-up. Given what had happened in the hotel room just a couple of nights ago, combined with the exhaustion from all the traveling and the conference, I wasn’t surprised that she was struggling to keep her fire down today. Once she was gone, the table fell into uneasy silence. Thea looked up at me with wide saucer eyes. “Is Mommy mad at me?” she asked. I quickly shook my head and ruffled Thea’s hair. “No, sweetheart. She’s just been feeling a bit unwell from the trip. Travel doesn’t always agree with her.” I met Lena’s gaze from across the table, and she stared at me for a moment. She didn’t look particularly convinced, but thankfully she didn’t push the issue. “Oh. Okay. Well, can I have more juice, please?” Thea held up her cup. I was grateful for the change of topic as I poured her