Chapter 3 - The Price of the Dress
The next morning, the house was sickeningly quiet. I walked into the kitchen at 7:30 AM to find Marcus and Chloe sitting at the marble island. Marcus was drinking black coffee, wearing a tailored navy suit, looking like the undisputed king of his castle. Chloe was wearing one of my silk robes, eating fresh fruit, radiating a smug, victorious glow.
Marcus didn't even look up from his tablet when I walked in.
“Have you initiated the wire transfer, Claire?” he asked coldly. “Because the bank opens in thirty minutes, and I meant what I said. Ten thousand dollars for Chloe’s dress, or I pack yours and Maya’s bags and throw them on the front lawn.”
“I’m not transferring a single dollar, Marcus,” I said, standing by the sink, pouring myself a glass of water.
Marcus finally looked up, his jaw tightening, his eyes flashing with the familiar, abusive rage he used to keep me in line. He stood up from the stool, his broad shoulders squared.
“You think this is a negotiation?” Marcus sneered, taking a slow, intimidating step toward me. “You think because you played nurse last night that I won't follow through? Your daughter is a destructive, jealous little brat who ruined an expensive piece of property. You will pay for it, or you will be homeless by noon.”
Chloe took a delicate bite of a strawberry, offering me a pitying, mock-sympathetic sigh. “It really is a beautiful dress, Claire. It’s a shame your daughter has such severe behavioral issues. But Marcus is right. Actions have consequences.”
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“You are absolutely right, Chloe,” I smiled. It wasn't a warm smile. It was a terrifying, dead-eyed expression that made her pause mid-chew. “Actions have incredibly severe consequences.”
Before Marcus could take another step toward me, the heavy oak front door of our house didn't just open; it was violently breached.
