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.

preparation to make sure Violet could take her place in the family? This way, the next Mrs. Langford wouldn't even have to endure pregnancy -she'd simply inherit a husband, a son, and a

a plan. What

with stomach cancer three months ago. The doctors say she has

Victoria's breath caught.

what McNeil's grandfather had,

what a family-they even got

ten, its

room fireplace, but Victoria sat wide awake on

door opened, bringing a

came in. McNeil was nowhere to

you show up at the amusement park today?" Gwyneth's cheeks were flushed red with

the midnight fireworks. It's Christmas,

right. It was Christmas-her

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

time with her. She's so nice to me—she buys me everything I like and eats wherever I want. Of course

us, and now Ms. Marchand

big eyes

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