"You useless brat! What are you standing around for? Get over here and toast Director Martin and the others—now!"
Freya froze. All the color drained from her face.
She turned her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Mom, can I just talk to Pearl a little longer? Just a few more words, okay?"
Vivian offered her a sugary-sweet smile, clearly performing for me. After all, I was the Gardner family's golden girl.
"Fine. Make it quick."
Then she pinched Freya hard at the waist, out of everyone's view.
Freya flinched. I saw the pain flash across her face before she forced herself to nod and smile.
I sneered inwardly.
[So much for your dream life, huh? You really managed to pick the wrong path in both lifetimes, my dear sister? That takes a special kind of talent.]
Her face turned bright red, shaking with fury.
[You're the loser, not me! I'm already making my own money. I've got fans. People love me. I have a real future!]
I clicked my tongue and gave her a look that was anything but sympathetic.