“You do know that marrying him would be what’s best, don’t you? I mean, he comes from a very influential family with enough money to ensure that if you decided to do your painting, you could. You should be happy that someone of his pedigree even looks your way.”

My mouth fell open. “Who the hell do you think you are giving me advice on my relationship when you don’t even know who my father is?”

“Excuse me?”

This was not why I was here. I had to remind myself before an entire volcano erupted in the office.

“Look, you can forget about marriage. I highly doubt that is going to happen,” I said and crossed my arms over my chest before I leaped across the desk. “I didn’t come here to talk to you about Peter. I was coming to tell you that I’m going to go and visit Dad for three weeks, and I’ve already made arrangements to keep up with classes virtually until I get back.”

It was like all the air was sucked out of the room. My mother’s eyes bugged out of her head while she turned an angry shade of tomato red. Leaning back in her chair, she gripped the edge of the desk with her hands until her knuckles turned white.

“What did you just say,” she asked, her voice low as her eyes narrowed into thin slits.

“Now, who’s the one being dramatic? It’s not like I’m going forever. As you are already are aware, all my grades are ninety-five and higher. Regardless if you think I’m applying myself or not, I am a top student.”

My mother shot out of her chair so fast that I took a step back in shock. “No, I’m not allowing it. I’ll speak to someone tomorrow and get this straightened out.”

I stepped toward her desk, my hands dropping to my sides.

“No, you will not. I’m not a child, and I’m not your prisoner, no matter how much you enjoy treating me like one. I’m leaving, and if you try to stop me, I’ll never come back after I leave.” I leaned on the desk, going toe to toe with my mother as the tension built in the room. “I never wanted to come here. I never wanted to be an agent, but I’ll finish the course as promised. I need a break, and it’s been almost two years since I’ve seen Dad.”

“What the hell would you need a break from? You have more than most people could ever want?” She held her arms open, and I realized she was talking about material things: clothes, food, money, and whatever else she put on that list.