"Em... Ma'am. My parents are waiting for me at home... So?" Advika ventured, a hopeful lilt in her voice.
"Nonsense." Amara's smile remained firm as she glanced at her wristwatch. "It's still 5 PM. You will go home, attend to whatever plans you have, and around 6:30, Katherine will pick you up. No arguments, you are having dinner with us." Her tone brooked no dissent.
Advika was taken aback, searching Katherine's face for an ally.
"Okay... We'll go with your plan, Mum." Katherine nodded agreeably.
'What the—?! Shouldn't you be on my side?!' Advika's internal protest warred with her outward composure. She turned back to Amara, a sigh escaping her lips.
'Looks like I don't have a choice.' With a resigned nod, she said, "Okay, Ma'am."
"Good! And stop calling me 'Ma'am'... 'Mum' will be fine." Amara's smile widened.
Katherine and Adonis exchanged exasperated glances, simultaneously facepalming.
