A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Mae arrived just then, carrying a pair of warm rolls and a cup of steaming milk. Vera didn’t have much of an appetite, but under Mae’s gentle

coaxing, she managed to take a few sips.

“Mae, what on earth happened tonight? Where is he?”

At this point, Vera couldn’t even bring herself to say “Dad.” She didn’t want

to acknowledge a man whose life revolved around drinking, gambling,

and violence as her father.

Mae sighed. “I was cooking in the kitchen when I heard your parents arguing. You know how your father is–can’t take a word of criticism without lashing out…”

She glanced anxiously at Vera, who clenched her jaw and twisted the hem of her dress in her fist.

“It’s okay. Please, go on.”

“I heard your mom shouting that she was leaving, that she wanted a divorce… Your dad wouldn’t have it. They started fighting again, and then suddenly, I heard your mom scream. After that, it went silent.”

made

I barely had time to ask what happened before I saw your mom lying at the landing. Blood was pouring from the back of her head… I nearly fainted. I yelled

head. “Your mom is such a good, hardworking woman. I’ll never understand why your dad can’t appreciate her. My husband just called to chew him out, said he spent the whole night at the poker tables. And when he found out your mom was going to make it, he just

said, ‘Well, at least she’s not dead. Not

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Chapter 390

that?”

it all, her words so vivid Vera could almost see her father in that smoky backroom, grumbling as

any hope for her father long ago. Ever since high school, she’d pleaded with her mother to leave him, but her mother always said, “Let’s wait a little longer,

Wait for what?

little place with a view of the ocean. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

she’d been a girl who loved the ocean, loved to read, and spent her time crafting little things by hand. Somehow, her world had shrunk to this small town and a life of chores

be happier without me?” Vera had once

I wouldn’t have any reason to go

Mae saw her like that and swallowed the