Chapter 2

Before I could confront Lauren, the Quinn brothers barged in, acting like she was the victim.

Roger snapped, "You went too far. It's just a pendant. You've had everything. Why the fuss?"

Gerard piled on, "Lauren has a rough time living under your roof. Now you're humiliating her."

I was confused by their baseless accusations, like I had done something horrible.

Lauren looked a bit like me, and we became friends naturally. When I learned she was struggling, I quietly sponsored her.

I hired her as my tutor and brought her home.

I paid her well, giving her clothes and makeup. She cried, holding my hands and vowing to repay me.

But what she really did was frame me.

Lauren returned the pendant. She was tearful but secretly pinched my arm.

I flinched, pushing her away. She fell, hitting her forehead on the table. It was swollen instantly.

The pendant dropped and broke in two. She did it on purpose.

"I know you look down on me, but I didn't steal it," Lauren choked up. "I don't know how it ended up in my room. If you don't believe me, I'll die to prove it."

She grabbed a fruit knife, trying to prove her innocence. The Quinn brothers rushed to stop her.

Tears welled up in her eyes. In front of them, she was always a frail lady, sharing her tragic stories to win their sympathy.

Then she would subtly criticize me, saying the things I gave her were trash.

"Angie said I'm a nobody who doesn't need nice clothes," she sobbed. "She called me a pet, taking pleasure in making fun of me, and threatened to throw me to some old creep if I didn't obey. And she called you guys lapdogs."

The Quinn brothers grew cold toward me, refusing to believe my side.

Roger glared. "You'd drive Lauren to her death? Is that how your parents educate you? It's just a dumb pendant. I'll buy you a new one."

Gerard sneered, "I can't imagine the hell Lauren has been through. You're jealous and cruel."

I'd had enough. I would leave them and not marry either of them.

...

At a gala, I wore a stunning gown.

There, I ran into my bane again. I ignored Lauren, but her eyes followed me, sizing up my dress and jewelry.

Her shoulders slumped in an instant, and her eyes burned with jealousy.

Then she approached with a glass of wine. "Angie, long time no see. Where did you get that dress and those jewels?"

When I didn't answer, she grabbed my arm and scoffed, "You think you're better than me because you dress fancier? You're just a spoiled brat who got lucky. Your pride is meaningless. The Quinn brothers want me, not you."

I shook her off, and she pulled her old trick, splashing wine on her face and dress.

She cried, "Ms. Brown, I'm sorry. I don't belong here. Please don't make it hard for me."