Chapter 11

Denise raised an eyebrow in confusion. What new game was Arthur playing now? She quickly finished her breakfast and spotted Samantha and Vivian busy dolling themselves up. The two of them kept fussing with each other’s outfits, clearly thinking something still didn’t quite work. “Well, aren’t we getting all dressed up today,” Denise said sarcastically, watching them strut around like they were peacocks on display. Especially Vivian — back when she was stuck in Blue Ridge Town, Arthur wasn’t exactly rolling in money. Now that he had some cash, she acted like she had to wear every bit of jewelry she owned just to show off. Samantha wasn’t any better. “Duh. You think we’re dressing up just for fun?” Samantha huffed, looking smug as ever. “Denise, better get yourself ready too,” Arthur’s voice came from the stairs. “We’re having dinner with the Harringtons today, first time meeting them. Don’t embarrass me, or you’ll regret it when we get back.” “Dad, why is that trash coming with us?” Samantha snapped, her grudge from yesterday clearly still eating her up. “Who are you calling trash? Did you eat crap for breakfast or what?” Denise shot back without missing a beat. She swore she’d never let them bully her again. Time to stand up for herself. “You ate crap! Watch your mouth, you b*tch! I swear I’ll rip that filthy tongue out!” Samantha lost it and stepped forward, itching for a fight. “Oh, bring it on then!” Denise stood her ground, not flinching one bit. Samantha lunged at her, hand raised to slap, but Denise was faster — she grabbed Samantha’s wrist and pushed her away hard. Samantha, tottering in high heels, lost her balance and hit the floor hard. “How dare you! You hit Samantha? Are you out of your mind?” Vivian screeched, jumping to her feet and going straight at Denise. Vivian, toughened up from her days in the countryside, was surprisingly strong. Unlike Samantha, she wasn’t the type to get knocked over easily. “Go to hell!” Denise spat, trying to shove her away, but Vivian barely staggered and charged at her again. That’s when Justin suddenly appeared out of nowhere and jumped in between them. Vivian might be tough, but facing Justin, she couldn’t even move when he grabbed her wrists. Denise finally breathed in relief. But before she could relax, Arthur stormed over and just smacked her across the face, then turned and kicked Justin away. “You ungrateful brats!” Arthur roared. A full-blown fight first thing in the morning — he was fuming. For someone as superstitious as him, this definitely counted as bad luck. “Look at what your precious kids are doing to us!” Vivian wailed dramatically, throwing herself at Arthur. “They’re bullying me and Samantha like we’re nothing! Back when I lived in the countryside, I served your family like a damn maid and took care of your parents! Then some homewrecker came in and I just had to swallow it all. Now that woman’s gone, but her kids? Still tearing us apart. God, how did I end up with such a miserable life!” She burst into tears right on cue, milking Arthur’s guilt for all it was worth.