Chapter 3 - Blood on the Carpet
Lily clutched her mother's black trousers, hiding her face beneath the yellow sun hat as tears soaked the fabric.
Clara reached down, gently scooping her injured daughter into her arms while keeping her gaze locked on Vanessa.
"Look at her scalp, Richard!" Clara yelled, turning Lily so her brother-in-law could see the dried blood near the ear.
Richard gasped, staggering backward until his spine hit the framed US flag mounted on the dining wall.
"You cut my niece?!" Richard shouted, turning to his wife with eyes wide in utter disbelief and anger.
Vanessa straightened her navy suit jacket, attempting to regain her arrogant composure despite her trembling lip.
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"The girl was arrogant! She needed to be taught humility before she ruined Chloe's modeling audition!" Vanessa spat viciously.
Clara’s jaw tightened so hard her teeth throbbed. "Modeling audition? You mutilated my baby for a child beauty pageant?!"
