e Mor

overflowing. My parents always said I had a fiery spirit, a will of my own. They called it pass

ouldn't stand

e alone with our grief and the vast tech empire they' d built. Ashton, jus

," he'd said, avoiding my gaze. "Kecia will keep us company." She was beautiful, in a fra

e touches. But the moment his back was turned, her true colors emerged. She'd "accidentally" spill coffee on my textbooks,

led," he'd scold, his voice tinged with the frustration Kecia had expertly planted

f in Kecia, chipped away at me. One evening, after Kecia had deliberately slandered my name to Ashton, blaming me for a mistake she had

apologize," he'd de

smug smirk playing on he

ck at Ashton. "Apologize

ance perfected over months. "Ash

oed in the silent dining room. Kecia stumbled back, clutching her cheek, her carefull

y, "is what a real slap feels like. Don't

sobbing uncontrollably, begg

sk of rage. "Blaire! A

spat, my ch

y to strike me. It was the first time he'd

ven though my heart hammered against my ribs. "H

pressed anger, the veins in his neck

en before. Then he turned, his back to me, and gently helped Kecia to her feet, whispering so

couldn't possibly understand what I would do to him

d. Let him comfort her. I' d get my revenge. He' d regret siding

ding, or maybe cutting off my allowance for a mo