The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 20

"Helena, that was... completely uncalled for."

Helena practically lost her mind at the words "uncalled for." Her voice skyrocketed as she frantically defended herself. "You don't believe me?!"

Laura sighed. "It's not that I don't believe you, but I think you've got some preconceived bias that's making you completely irrational."

Helena wanted to laugh out of pure frustration. "I'm irrational? I'm irrational?!" She pointed frantically toward the dark corner of the room. "How long has it been since he lost his mind like that in public? Chopping off a man's fingers out of nowhere! I bet that jinx Sylvie triggered it!"

The accusation was so wildly absurd that even Laura, who usually humored Helena, couldn't let it slide.

"Helena, that man and Sylvie are worlds apart. How could they possibly be connected?" She patted Helena's shoulder comfortingly. "Are you just under too much stress lately? Is it menopause? Let's go to the spa tomorrow, get a massage, and relax."

Helena took a deep, shaky breath, the boiling rage and anxiety in her chest threatening to choke her. Unable to handle the isolation, she pulled out her phone and called her daughter. Her precious daughter was the only one who truly understood her.

"Mom! Why are you calling so late?" Lydia Lawson's voice chimed.

"Lydia, sweetheart." Helena's expression instantly softened. "How are your exams going?"

"Great, obviously. You know I'm the best. I have one left tomorrow, and then I'm coming home."

"That's wonderful. Ugh..."

"What's wrong? You don't sound happy."

"I'm just furious about that new piece of trash living in our house."

"Sylvie? She actually dared to piss you off? How does some random country girl have the nerve?"

Finally, someone who shared her hatred. Helena felt a fraction of the weight lift off her chest. "She's incredibly manipulative, deeply scheming, and she even cursed at me today."

"Oh my god, Mom, don't worry. Just wait until I get back. I'll show her exactly where she belongs."

Helena hung up the phone. She couldn't resist casting one last terrified glance toward Caspian's corner.

But the dark corner of the sofa was empty.

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