Page 105 of Symphony for Lies

The terrified child’s small frame shook.

And so was I.

“He’s probably fine,” I lied to reassure him, but the words felt hollow. “He’ll reach out soon.” I didn’t know if I was trying to comfort him or myself. But inside, my mind was screaming.

Something was very, very wrong.

With clammy hands, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and moved to the door.

Simon’s tiny hand wrapped around my wrist just as I reached for the handle.“I like you, Amelia. And Zane likes you a lot, too.”

My chest tightened.

Almost hesitantly, he pulled me into a small hug. “My mother is strict, but I think she’ll like you, too.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just returned the hug.

The door swung open, and my stomach dropped.

Mrs. Cole’s expression was stone-cold, utterly unreadable. But her eyes… Oh, her eyes burned with something sharp and bitter.

She barely glanced at me before sweeping her gaze over Simon.“Good, You’re still here.”

Her posture was pristine as she walked into the room, her presence chilling.

Simon backed away but still held my hand.

“Where is Zane?”

“What?”

“Don’t lie to me.” Her voice cut like a knife.“Just tell me the truth.”

For the first time ever, she sounded almost… desperate.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “He hasn’t spoken to me since that night.”

Mrs. Cole stared at me. Long and hard. “Good.”

What?

I blinked.

The woman crossed her arms over her chest, raising a brow. “Say your goodbyes, Simon.”

“What?” the boy’s voice cracked.

“What do you mean?”

Mrs. Cole lifted her chin, looking down at me like I was nothing.“From today onward, you will no longer be tutoring my son.”

For a second, I didn’t react.I just… stared.

“You heard me,” she pushed.

Something in me snapped. “Why?”

“Because there are better tutors. Tutors who know how to behave.” Her gaze turned icy. “Tutors who know their place.”