Alice stood at the threshold of her mother's study, her heart racing with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The room, meticulously organized with shelves of leather-bound books and a mahogany desk adorned with awards and artifacts from around the world, seemed to radiate her mother's formidable presence.

Alice, named after her mother, admired her from a young age. Yet, as she grew older, she felt the weight of her mother's achievements pressing upon her shoulders like an invisible burden. The elder Alice had forged an empire from nothing, becoming a symbol of discipline and success. Her daughter, too, was determined to make her mark, striving to surpass her mother's lofty expectations and carve out her own path in the world.

And Alice stepped Inside the study, and was stopped by the cold and menacing gaze of her mother. "Ahem, my child, what is your purpose for entering my study?" She asked, as she raised one of her eye brows. "If it is important, please make it quick."

The words of her mother were like daggers to her little heart, she acts as if her own child were one of those Business men she talks to. But still she needs to show her mother of her accomplishments, so she raised her hand and showed her report card, straight As, and waited to see and hear her mother's reaction. She thought to herself "Hope for the best, expect for the worst"

The elder Alice peered down at her daughter's report card, her gaze unwavering. After a moment of scrutiny, she spoke, her tone cool and detached. "Straight As. Impressively diligent, as always."

The compliment was delivered with a hint of resignation, as if her daughter's academic excellence was merely an expectation rather than a source of pride. There was no smile on her face, no glimmer of warmth or affection.

Alice's shoulders sagged slightly at her mother's emotionless praise. She had hoped for a moment of connection, a hint of warmth, but her mother's detachment was palpable. "Thank you, mother." She replied, trying to hide her disappointment.