ELI'S POV
As I swung the door open, my heart sank. There stood Laurene Marks, my stepmother, flanked by her usual entourage of bodyguards. She glided into the apartment with an air of authority, a practiced smile painted on her lips.
"Eli," she said, her voice dripping with condescension as she stepped past me. "What a lovely place you've chosen to crash after your little trip."
I watched her drop her handbag onto the couch as if it were a rag, her eyes narrowing as they scanned the room.
"Nice to see you too, Laurene," I replied, trying to mask my irritation. "What brings you here?"
She turned slowly, hands perched on her hips, a sneer tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, you know I like to keep tabs on my dear stepson. I cannot have you running off without a proper welcome, can I?"
I forced a smile, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Right, because nothing says 'welcome' like surprise visits."
