Part 10 - ARDEN'S CONQUEST

Scarlett left and I learned that she used to be a local girl, but then she grew up in the big city, got married, and that's where she's at now. I had this sense that she had some stories to spill, but I could also tell we needed some one-on-one time. Before she left, she handed me her business card.

"Seriously, do you hate me so much that you're out there telling everyone you're an only child?" I couldn't help but lay on the accusation thick.

He shot me a look that could curdle milk. "What else should I say, huh? That I've got a sister who placed out because she couldn't handle the heat, that we were too much of a burden? And then out of the blue, you show up with cash? Where'd that come from? You were living it up, weren't you?" I had to bite down on my lip to stop from saying something nasty back. Adam was holding back, I could see it. I knew him like the back of my hand. "You were living large!"

His words hit me like a slap in the face. I was so stunned I couldn't even muster the e