Leon's expression softened immediately. "Fine. They'll both go. How's that?"
I stood rooted in place, pale-faced, swaying on unsteady legs.
Leon took it as defiance.
His gaze swept over me, cold as a blade. "Gloria, stop playing the victim. If you refuse to go, every single person on staff in this house loses their pay this month."
The words had barely left his mouth before every housekeeper by the door turned to stare at me, resentment burning in their eyes.
I clenched my fists, said nothing, and got in the car.
At the school, a teacher was selecting participants for the parent-child relay race, a one-mile run.
Pamela spoke up without hesitation. "Let Hayden run with his mother."
Hayden's small face scrunched in obvious disgust.
"Go on," Leon said flatly.
Hayden didn't dare disobey. He settled for glaring at me with all the venom a child could muster.
I hesitated. "I just got out of the hospital. I can't run."
Before the last word left my lips, someone shoved me hard from behind. I stumbled forward, nearly falling.
I spun around. Pamela stood there, smiling at me, triumph glittering in her eyes.