He stood maybe five-seven but easily weighed over two hundred pounds. His face was pitted with acne scars, his greasy hair looked unwashed for a week, and he was sprawled across my imported leather sofa, muddy shoes planted directly on the white carpet.
His eyes raked over me—invasive, assessing. Revulsion slid down my spine.
I pointed at him, then glared at Violet. "This is my private residence. Who gave you permission to bring a stranger into my home?"
Violet's smile faltered. She froze, unsure how to react.
Isaac slammed his hand on the armrest, face twisting.
"Who gave you the right to talk to my mother like that? Is that how your parents taught you to treat elders?" He sneered, leaning forward. "I only came to give you a chance. Otherwise, you couldn't pay me to visit. Apologize to my mom, or don't blame me for getting rough."
My patience snapped. I raised my phone.
"Violet, take your son and get out. Now. Or I call the police." I stared her down. "And don't bother coming back. You're fired."
Violet panicked, waving her hands frantically.
"No, no, no! Zoey, don't misunderstand! I meant well! I thought since you're both single, you'd have things in common." She put on a pitiful expression. "Look at you, over thirty and still alone. I just feel sorry for you. Isaac is a good boy. Sit down and talk to him properly."
I wasn't going to waste breath on people who refused to understand human language. My thumb hovered over the emergency number, but an incoming call cut me off.
My secretary.
"Ms. Swanson, the client just arrived. Are you almost here?"
The meeting. I cursed silently. Today was the negotiation with a critical client. I didn't have time for this circus, and definitely not time to wait for police.
I spun around and marched to the bathroom, ignoring them.
Twenty minutes later, I emerged in a sharp suit and heels. Isaac and Violet hadn't moved.
Isaac scoffed, looking me up and down.
"Look at her, Mom. Heavy makeup, flashy clothes—what kind of decent woman dresses like that?" He leaned back, arms crossed with disdain. "You'll need to discipline her properly."
Violet shot him a warning glance before turning to me with a fawning smile.
"Zoey, please. You really misunderstood. I don't have bad intentions. I'm only thinking of your future. Why don't you give me—"
I raised my hand, cutting her off cold.