Chapter 2

"Daddy, did Mommy follow us?"

Violet's voice was soft and almost a whisper. "Let me go talk to Victoria. I'm sure she just misunderstood."

On the phone, Victoria's reply was chilly, almost inhuman.

"That won't be necessary. There's no misunderstanding."

She slowly set down her phone and fixed her gaze on Yasmine in the driver's seat. "Drive."

When they returned to the house, Yasmine walked beside Victoria, quietly giving her a report.

"Ms. Marchand dated your husband for years. The two of them were so close, everyone thought they'd get married. But Ms. Marchand can't have children, so Mr. Langford's grandfather refused to approve the marriage. That's why—"

Yasmine trailed off, but Victoria smiled faintly.

"That's why he married me."

One daughter wasn't enough for the Langford family. Just last month, McNeil's father made it clear he expected a second child.

Another child?

Ha.

family? This way, the next Mrs. Langford wouldn't

a plan. What a

news is, Violet was diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago. The doctors say

Victoria's breath caught.

That's what McNeil's grandfather had,

what a family-they even

The grandfather clock struck ten, its chimes echoing through

room fireplace, but Victoria sat wide awake

front door opened, bringing a rush

McNeil was

at the amusement park today?"

midnight fireworks. It's Christmas, and because of you, Dad sent me home

right. It was Christmas-her

out to brush the snowflakes from her daughter's coat. Gwyneth turned away with a scowl, refusing

why we're spending time with her. She's so nice to me—she buys me everything I like and eats wherever

woman alone. You followed us, and now Ms. Marchand is upset. Dad's mad, too, and he wouldn't let me stay.

pouted, her big eyes brimming with

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