Silas settled comfortably into his seat, a satisfied grin playing at the corners of his lips. The challenge had been immense, but he had finally succeeded in persuading Esme. The game was on, and he held a quiet confidence that victory would ultimately be his. With closed eyes and hands resting beneath his head, he relished in the moment, reveling in his small triumph.
Ring-Ring-Ring…
The insistent ringing of his phone interrupted the tranquility, prompting a disgruntled expression to cross Silas's face.
"Who is calling me now?" He groaned and peered at the phone, annoyed by the sudden disturbance. When he saw his mother's number on the screen, he straightened himself and answered the call.
"Hey, Mom. How are you doing?"
"How am I supposed to be when my own son doesn't heed my words?" Victoria's voice came through the line, stern and disapproving.
