Morris's POV
My tone was ice-cold when I responded. "Yeah."
Mother shook her head, exasperated by my indifference toward the woman she'd mentioned. "Do you really need to dodge Isobel like this?"
"She got what she wanted from me. That's all she's getting." My voice was final. I turned to face my mother directly. "You promised to stay out of my relationship decisions."
"When did I ever say I'd interfere?" Mother backpedaled quickly, claiming she only offered the occasional piece of motherly advice and had no time to meddle in my romantic affairs.
My mother understood the importance of boundaries with her adult son; she knew I was young, brilliant, and capable—and didn't need her making my choices for me.
I straightened in my chair, propping my chin on my hand as I considered something. "Actually, I need your help with something now."
Mother studied me with confusion, recognizing that familiar calculating gleam in my eyes. Her gaze sharpened.
"Help with what exactly?"
