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.

doing?” Vera stared at her father, disbelief and horror twisting her

hard the layoff had hit him.

few days”

was finally off

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10:02

Chapter 385

of meat–planning to cook something special, hoping it might lift her husband’s

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

a bottle at her. “I… I…” The man’s face was pale, panic flickering

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

do what I want! If you

her. Sure, he’d always been stubborn and old–fashioned,

at? It’s my wife–I’ll teach her

huh?” one of the men in the

smack too! She still listens, even if I do

every word of encouragement, Hamlin seemed to swell with pride, the earlier panic gone, replaced with