Before her fingers could touch me, I pulled my right hand back and hid it behind my back.
"Don't touch me."
Her hand froze midair. Her eyes reddened, and she turned to Marcus.
"Marcus, I just wanted to show some concern for Alex..."
His face darkened.
"Alex Henson! Sophia means well—why are you giving her attitude?"
"Five years running wild out there, and you not only didn't learn any manners, you've gotten even cruder!"
I tugged at the corner of my mouth and said nothing.
He pulled a black card from his wallet and tossed it at my feet.
"Since you're back, stop with the pitiful act. Take it and buy some decent clothes. Clean yourself up."
"Don't embarrass me at tonight's banquet."
The card hit the floor.
I looked down at it and didn't move.
He let out a cold laugh.
"What? Think it's not enough? Alex Henson, know when to quit."
"Behave yourself and make Sophia happy, and I might consider letting you back into the Abbott family."
He paused.
"Since you're back, bring your daughter too."
"Sophia's very generous. She said she's willing to be a stepmom—treat her like her own."
I jerked my head up and stared at him.
Bring her back?
Treat her like her own?
My body trembled.