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.

Vera’s pupils shrank in shock. “Are you okay? Does it

clean it up with some antiseptic in a bit. You go do your homework.

smile. The blood on her forehead had dried into a dark, jagged line, making her

well enough not to push. Gently,

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Chapter 386

already crusted over.

next door has some liniment

in and day out. No wonder I’ve got such rotten luck with you two! Now get in the kitchen!” the man bellowed, making

patted Vera’s back, trying to comfort her, though she was trembling

helped her mother into her room, set down her schoolbag, then

taking his frustrations out on them. At least he hadn’t started hitting Vera yet, but Carla was another story. It

Now her husband’s lost his job, and she’s still got hers–who knows what she’s

the real fault lay with the man. In the end, it was always the woman’s reputation that suffered. She had it

her head down and her mouth shut. She knew better than anyone that if she stopped working, they’d have nothing left