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.

you okay? Does

some antiseptic in a bit. You go do your homework. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready. Your dad’s in a bad mood lately, don’t argue

forehead had dried into a dark, jagged line, making her look almost

she knew her mother well enough not to push. Gently, she tried to wipe away the blood with

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Chapter 386

already crusted over.

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

in and day out. No wonder I’ve got such rotten luck with you two! Now get

to comfort her, though she was trembling

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

thing, always taking his frustrations out on them. At least he hadn’t started hitting Vera yet, but Carla was another story. It seemed every few days she’d show up with fresh bruises, and even the

gossip was always the same: a woman shouldn’t be too capable. Now her husband’s lost his job, and she’s still got hers–who knows what she’s doing to keep it? Maybe something indecent with the

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

her mouth shut. She knew better than anyone that if she stopped working, they’d have