"Exactly, Madge. You're a girl—sooner or later you'll marry into someone else's family. What's the point of you wearing a gold locket this valuable? It's a waste, plain and simple."
"Your brother already told me—this is the most precious heirloom the Sullivan family owns. It should go to the baby in my belly. That's what you call returning something to its rightful owner."
Madge's face had gone pale. James's grip had left her wrist red and raw, but he showed no sign of letting up.
"Come on, sis. Snatching things from your sister-in-law isn't a good look. Go ahead—apologize to her."
At those words, Madge turned to stare at him. Her eyes brimmed with hurt and disbelief.
Meryl was already basking in her victory, certain the locket was hers.
I looked up, a cold, derisive smile cutting across my face. My gaze could have frozen steel.
"Since when does an outsider get to decide what happens to Sullivan family heirlooms?"
"Madge is my precious daughter. Whether she marries, whether she wears the locket—that has absolutely nothing to do with you or whatever's in your belly."