Chapter 146

• Howard pushed through the mansion's heavy doors, shedding the day's weight with a tired sigh. The foyer felt charged; Karla and Anastasia perched like predators on velvet settees. As he aimed for the stairs, they rose in unison, Karla intercepting with a dramatic sweep of her arm.
• "Howard, stop," Karla commanded, her voice quivering with artifice.
• Howard paused, brow furrowing. "What happened, Mom?" he asked calmly, his tone even as polished oak.