A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“When I was in middle school, my dad lost his job because the factory laid off a bunch of workers. My mom, though–she’d always worked so hard–she was spared. After that, my dad just… changed. He started drinking every day, playing cards with his buddies. One time, my mom tried talking to him, just said a few words, and he smashed a beer bottle over her head.”

Vera’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it was as if she’d finally found a crack to let all the pain spill out. She didn’t know if the girl sitting across from her–a girl who’d clearly grown up with every

advantage–could ever understand what it was like for a family like hers. But right now, she had no one else to talk to. No one except the girl in

front of her.

“Mom, are you okay?”

Vera, just twelve then, had rushed up to her house when she saw a crowd gathered at the front steps.

In the living room, broken glass from beer bottles was scattered everywhere. Her mother, Carla, was sitting on the floor clutching her head; blood dripped through her fingers, spattering the hardwood with

blossoms of red.

“Vera.” Carla looked stunned, but instinctively pulled her daughter into her

arms.

are you doing?” Vera stared at her father,

layoff had hit him. They didn’t nag, didn’t complain, just hoped he’d snap out of it in a few

days” turned into

was finally off early and had stopped by the market to

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10:02

Chapter 385

to cook something special, hoping it

home to a mess–beer bottles everywhere, dirty dishes piled high

husband to hurl a bottle at her. “I… I…” The man’s face was pale, panic flickering in his eyes as he dropped the jagged remains

the neighbors whispered and gawked. He took a few steps back, looking lost, but when he caught their stares, he straightened his

I can do what I want! If you don’t listen,

to recognize the man in front of her. Sure, he’d always been stubborn and old–fashioned, but she’d never heard him

looking at? It’s my wife–I’ll

the household, huh?” one of the men in the

talks back, I give her a smack too! She still listens, even if I do

of encouragement, Hamlin seemed to swell with pride, the