Chapter 42

Every single word from the conversation between Vivian and Samantha reached Denise's ears. She just stood there, completely rooted to the spot. She’d once believed Ryan had been genuinely kind to her. How could someone so warm and sunny turn out to be just another one of Vivian’s pawns? That thought set off another wave of burning rage inside her. Vivian and Samantha were truly vile. Years ago, Vivian actually had someone steal Denise’s SAT ticket just to stop her from going to college. Even though Denise had pushed through all the obstacles and gotten into university, Vivian had already planted someone—Ryan—to sneak into her life when her guard was down. Ryan was like a ticking time bomb. Anytime Vivian said the word, he could go off right beside her. Denise felt like she had barely even begun to fight back. Vivian and Samantha were like venomous scorpions—ruthless and cunning. To get what they wanted, they’d destroy anything or anyone in their path. They’d framed her mother, Grace, m