“Lainey, it would’ve been better if you’d just died in prison. Look at you now, trying to compete with me for Jeremiah’s affection. And yet, you haven’t even earned a single crumb. Pathetic. So pitiful.”
I stayed silent, stirring the soup as if I hadn’t heard a thing.
Her smile twisted. Then she suddenly dangled something in front of me. It was the diamond pendant my parents had left me.
When she saw my face darken, Margaret’s smile widened with delight, and said sweetly, “Tell me, what do you think would happen if I split this thing in half with a knife?”
“Don’t you dare!” I gritted my teeth.
That pendant was the only keepsake my parents had left me.
My anger seemed to fuel her glee.
“Why wouldn’t I dare? Don’t forget, Jeremiah has always stood by my side.”
“If you don’t believe me, how about a little bet, let’s see who he believes more: you or me.”
Without warning, she picked up a spoonful of hot soup. I watched her warily, heart thudding.
Then, right before my eyes, she poured the steaming liquid all over herself and let out a piercing scream.
Jeremiah came running the moment he heard her.
He swept her into his arms in an instant.