Melodies of a Silent Panic

Astra emerged from her office, meticulously securing the door behind her. Silas approached her with a warm smile, and in response, she offered an equally warm one, falling into step with him as they made their way to the elevator.

Once they both stepped inside and the doors slid shut, Silas broached the topic that weighed on his mind, "How about we plan to have dinner together tomorrow? I've invited your grandmother; she'll be joining us."

Astra regarded him with surprise and voiced her thoughts, "The last time you and Grandmother spoke, you accused her of trying to turn me against you, even though everything she said was true. And now that you've learned she offered me her company shares, why would I willingly subject myself to witnessing your family treat her poorly?"

Silas couldn't help but feel a pang in his chest. Astra seemed to believe that the sole reason for inviting his mother was to berate her. He couldn't blame her for her skepticism.