A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 386

“If you dare treat me like that, I’m not going to play nice like Carla did. I’ll make your life a living hell.”

As people drifted away in small groups–some laughing, some shaking their heads in pity–not a single person stepped up to intervene.

The crowd dispersed. Outside, the sun dipped behind the hills, and the once–bright living room slowly faded into shadow.

“Enough with the act. Get up and make dinner already. I’m starving!” The man shot an impatient glance at the mother and daughter sitting together, but couldn’t quite meet their eyes. He went straight to the fridge, grabbed a fresh bottle of beer, took a long swig, and slumped on

the couch in front of the TV.

The flickering light from the screen revealed his face in harsh relief. Vera stared at him, seeing not a father, but something monstrous.

“What are you looking at? You want to rebel too, huh?” Sensing her gaze, he grabbed the glass ashtray from the table and hurled it at her.

Vera flinched and squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for pain that never came. Instead, she heard a heavy thud–a muffled gasp.

Carla had stepped between them and caught the blow.

pupils shrank in shock. “Are you okay? Does it hurt? Let me take you

antiseptic in a bit. You go do your homework. I’ll call you when

forced a smile. The blood on her forehead had dried into a dark,

push. Gently, she tried to wipe

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Chapter 386

already crusted over.

lie down for a while? I’ll handle dinner. Later, I’ll see if Peggie next door has some liniment for your bruises. Your back is probably all black and blue.” Vera’s voice

out. No wonder I’ve got such rotten luck with

trying to comfort

sniffled and helped her mother into her room, set down her schoolbag, then headed for the

only grew meaner. He’d lash out at the slightest thing, always taking his frustrations out on them. At least he hadn’t started hitting Vera yet, but Carla

husband’s lost his job, and she’s

always the woman’s reputation that suffered. She had it coming, they said,

head down and her mouth shut. She knew better than anyone that if