atical instructions, had prepared a simple meal of roasted chicken and vegetables
at his plate as if i
ed, his voice dripping with disdain. "We run a billion-do
said, not looking
cked at a piece of chicken with her fork
oftly. "It's much more than I'm used
t, aimed directly at m
hter can't even be bothered to arrange a proper welcome-ho
hat all you think about? Your family comes home after a year away, and you can't even be b
ompany's network security, which I've been doing flawlessly for the past twe
umped. "Maya is your sister now. You will show her respect. You will show us respec
I started to cry. This was when I begged them to unders
this
" I
n the air, heav
a dangerous shade of r
ave nothing to
logize," he commanded, his
without flinchi
enforcer. He shot up from his chair, rounded the ta
o kneel," he sn
harp, but the memory of a thousand worse pains from my first life burned hotter. He was strong, an athlete, and he pu
washed over me. I coughed, a dry, racking sound, and a small tri
them. My mother let out a small gasp. My father's face went pale
d up, not at them, but at the spot of blood.
ignoring the throb
were both in Zurich closing a deal. You left me with a nanny who didn't speak English. I ran a fever of 104 for three days. When
pped her. "Ava, that's not... we
m fine, an efficient machine running in the background. But now you have her." I flicked
ould feel it. Their guilt was a palpable thing in th
of her craft. She didn
let that happen. I have to rem
ting blanket, enveloped my parents and brother.
A good daughter wouldn't do that. A good daughter would forgive. She's cruel. She's tr
lt vanished from their faces, replac
dging up the past to hurt us. To hurt
ed. The irony
It was pointless. They were pupp
knee screaming in protest with every step. I di
nual Sterling Foundation Gala! You will attend, and you will be on your
, leaving my drop of blood on their