CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX – NO MORE MANIPULATION

"Control? Why, whatever could you mean?" She spoke slowly and with exaggerated care, as if explaining concepts to a small child. A shiver of foreboding danced up Kayla's spine, sensing a storm brewing upon the horizon. Beside her, Lance didn't so much as flinch. "Game's over, Mother. No more manipulations, backhanded comments, or questioning my choices. Not about my company, my life, or most certainly not about the woman I love." If his words hit their mark, Barbara concealed it with an arctic mask of indifference. "I have only ever had your best interests at heart, darling. Everything I've done from day one has been to protect our family legacy." "By trying to sabotage me? By conniving behind my back with business partners while I'm incapacitated?" Lance shook his head in weary disdain. "The company is mine, built from the ground up. You don't get to dictate how I steer the ship moving forward." Barbara's nostrils flared, clearly fighting to rein in her temper. "And I suppose tha