"Mom? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Then her mother turned to her with a casual smile.
"Oh, I had something to do around here and thought I'd stop by. I just got here a few minutes ago," she replied, brushing invisible lint off her sleeve.
Anastasia exhaled and nodded, gesturing toward the door. "Alright, come in."
The two of them entered the house, the quiet grandeur of the living room enveloping them. Anastasia motioned for her mother to sit while she made her way to the kitchen.
A few moments later, she returned with a glass of water, placing it gently in her mother's hand.
Her mother took a small sip before setting the glass on the table and shooting Anastasia with a glare.
"I hope you're not causing trouble for Mason," she began, her tone sharp and devoid of warmth.
"What!" Anastasia's lips parted slightly in disbelief as she stared at her mother. "Trouble?" She echoed, frowning.
