"What the hell was that about, Mother?" Adrian said the moment he stepped inside, slamming his briefcase onto the floor. The sound echoed through the room, sharp and uncontrolled.
"Inviting people over without telling me," he added, his voice tight.
Miranda's face flushed instantly, color rising up her neck. "Who do you think you are," she snapped, "telling me who I can and cannot invite into my own home? Why are you acting like this. Is it because your father is not in town?"
"If you were going to invite someone over, you should have told me," Adrian said. "Why did I have to hear it from the person you invited instead of from you."
"What does it matter," Miranda shot back. "And what is wrong with you today? Do you even understand how important that woman is? Nova Hart is filthy rich and influential. Why would I let an opportunity like that slip away."
