Chapter 10 Maxine didn't let up , her fingers twisting tighter in Kathleen's hair as she slammed her against the wall . The office went dead quiet , coworkers frozen , too shocked to move a muscle . Kathleen flailed , screaming , " Help ! Somebody , stop her ! Maxine's lost it ! " That jolted them awake . A few scrambled over , trying to talk her down . But Maxine's eyes glowed red , rage swallowing her whole . She didn't know where the strength came from , but she shoved off every hand trying to pull her back . Then , two voices cut through from the doorway- " Maxine ? " " Mom ? " Maxine's bloodshot gaze snapped up . Sebastian and Brian stood there , staring like she'd gone off the deep end . Her breath hitched , her mind blanking for a split second . Sebastian lunged forward , yanking Maxine's hand off Kathleen . " Sebastian ! " Kathleen sobbed , collapsing into him , all tears and drama . He didn't hug her back , just held her steady . But to the coworkers watching , it was enough . Their eyes flicked to Maxine , pity creeping into their stares . Maxine's lips curled into a bitter smirk . She met Sebastian's icy glare , her heart already frozen solid . She should've seen it . It was always Kathleen he cared about . Always . " Sebastian , she tried to kill me … " Kathleen whined , playing the victim card hard . " Is she pissed you gave me that assault case ? " Sebastian blinked , snapping out of it . He propped her up , voice low . " You good ? " Kathleen looked like a trainwreck - forehead bruised , perfect curls a hot mess . " I'm okay , " she sniffled , shooting Maxine a teary glance . " Don't be mad , alright ? If it's the case , I'll hand you the next big one , promise . " Maxine barked a cold laugh . " Kathleen , cut the innocent act . You know damn well why I came for you . It's not about the case - it's because- " " Mom ! " Brian's small voice cut her off like a knife . " You can't just hit people ! That's wrong ! " Look at Kathleen's forehead - it's all red and swollen ! You owe her an apology ! " Brian's little fists were clenched , his face raw with anger . The kid wasn't even ten , but his eyes burned with pure disgust , slicing into Maxine's already shattered heart . She'd known her son - the one she carried for nine months - couldn't stand her , probably wished she'd vanish . But seeing that kind of loathing in his eyes ? That was a new kind of hurt . She looked away , her lashes trembling . " Fine . Whatever . " When she glanced up , Maxine's face was steady , almost too calm . She turned to Sebastian , her voice low . " So , Sebastian , you think I'm the bad guy here 1/2 10:44 Tue , 17 Jun GO Chapter 10 too , don't you ? " " Even when your precious Kathleen tanked a case we should've won and got our client killed - you still think I'm the problem ? " Sebastian's gaze was cold as stone , not a word from him . But Maxine saw it - the annoyance in his eyes , like she was just a pest he couldn't shake . She nodded slowly , muttering , " Yeah , got it . " Then , louder , " We're basically done anyway , Sebastian . So I'm making it easy for you . " I'm outta here tonight - leaving you and your little family to play happy home . " She didn't wait for a reaction from him or Brian , just turned and headed out . As she passed Sebastian , his hand shot out , grabbing her wrist . She tilted her head , a smirk twisting her lips . " What's up , Mr. Mason ? Got one last dig to throw my way ? "