Chapter 35

Cindy Clark's face turned pale in an instant. She forced a shaky smile at Evan Smith, eyes darting nervously. “You must’ve seen it wrong, right? Why would I kick her?” Lena Carter gave a soft smile and reached out to take Evan’s hand. “Exactly. Don’t let her trick you, sweetheart. Come on, let Aunt Lena buy you some ice cream.” But Evan pulled his hand back, completely unfazed by the tempting offer. With a look of certainty, he said, “I didn’t see wrong. It was her. She kicked Aunt Sophie!” As if to back himself up, he ran straight to Henry Smith. “Uncle, tell me—was I right?” Henry hesitated, but finally nodded, still holding onto a sliver of conscience. He didn’t want to deny the kid’s honesty. But after reassuring Evan, he turned to me with those same cold, disgusted eyes. The message was pretty clear—he thought I was using Evan as a weapon. Before any more thoughts could form, Jason Smith’s low voice cut through the air. “Someone, show Miss Clark out.” Startled, I looked up and met