Norma laughed softly, the sound light and amused. "Oh, I know. That's what makes this so… satisfying."
She set her glass aside and stepped closer, heels clicking softly against the floor. There was no warmth in her eyes now—only interest.
"You ran when things got ugly," she continued. "You were abandoned, betrayed, exposed. And suddenly, the woman you once ignored became the only door left open."
Collin met her gaze without flinching. "Call it what you want. I'm here now."
Norma tilted her head, studying him as though he were a chess piece finally moved into position.
"And I didn't disappoint you," he added, his voice lowering. "I came exactly when you wanted me to."
Her smile widened—slow, dangerous.
"Indeed you did."
A beat of silence passed between them, thick with unspoken negotiations.
"And I hope," Collin said at last, his tone sharp with warning, "that you don't disappoint me either, Norma."
Something flickered in her eyes at that—approval, perhaps. Or amusement.
