It was almost laughable, really. Hildegarde had bought the help a luxury SUV worth a small fortune—just for grocery runs and school pickups—while treating her own husband like an afterthought. He'd never been allowed to touch any of the family cars. In the end, his mother had taken pity on him and bought him a Range Rover so he wouldn't have to rely on rideshares.
Hilary hopped out of the Land Cruiser, backpack bouncing.
She skipped over to Penelope, waving a paper bag.
"Look! Patrick—I mean, my new daddy—made me honey bread! It's got honey and matsutake mushrooms on top. It's sooo good!"
Penelope pouted. "Daddy says kids shouldn't eat too many sweets. You'll get cavities."
Hilary stuck out her tongue. "Hmph! I have a new daddy now. That old daddy can't tell me what to do anymore. I can eat whatever I want! Nyeh-nyeh-nyeh..."
"My new daddy also says I should learn to share with other kids. So I'm gonna give treats to everyone—except you! Nyeh-nyeh-nyeh..."
Penelope clutched her backpack straps, eyes reddening.
"Hilary, if you keep acting like this, Daddy really won't want you anymore."