Chapter 4

Back in my room, I pulled a new notebook from the drawer, and on the first page, I carefully wrote down the date and every misdeed Denise had committed.

My adoptive father, Dalton Yarwood, once told me that when the enemy was too powerful, one should keep a record of their every move and wait for the perfect moment to strike back.

"Denise," I whispered under my breath, "you think I'm some pushover, but you're dead wrong."

*****

That night, laughter and chatter drifted up from downstairs.

Peeking through the stair railings, I saw Enoch and Denise sitting on the sofa, surrounded by my four brothers. Denise was playing the piano while Enoch gazed at her tenderly.

Sherman was the first to spot me. He called out cheerfully, "Hey, Erika. You came downstairs. Want to join us and listen to Denise play the piano?"

All eyes suddenly turned to me. Denise's smile faltered for a brief instant before she plastered on an even brighter grin. She urged, "Yes, Erika, come sit next to me."

"No thanks," I said, taking a step back. "I've got a bit of a headache. I'll turn in early."

"Wait," Marcus called out to me. "There's an art exhibition tomorrow. The whole family's going. Why don't you come along?"

I looked up in surprise. This was the first time Marcus had ever invited me to a place.

"Sure—" I said.

"Denise's friend is coming, too," Sherman cut in excitedly. "None other than the supermodel Lillian!"

It dawned on me instantly.

Marcus only invited me because Denise's friend was coming.

"But I might not be feeling well tomorrow," I murmured softly.

Dylan adjusted his glasses. "Suit yourself," he said, his impatience barely concealed.

Enoch didn't even glance my way. His eyes stayed glued to Denise the entire time.

As I ascended upstairs, I heard Denise "whisper", "Don't blame Erika. She's probably just not used to gatherings like this."

"She's just a country bumpkin. I bet she has never seen anything this fancy, huh?" Enoch's clear voice rang out.

My nails dug deep into my palms, but I felt no pain. At that moment, it finally hit me just how dire my situation was.

Back in my room, I added a few more lines to my notebook and then carefully slid it beneath the mattress.

The cold moonlight streamed in through the window. I told myself, "Erika, starting today, you must learn to stand up for yourself."

*****

Three weeks into Farrell's trip to Topandia, I finally made a shocking discovery.

Late that night, I went downstairs for water. As I passed by Farrell's study, I caught faint noises coming from inside.

Who was in his study this late?

I crept closer on tiptoe. The door stood slightly ajar, and a thin beam of light seeped through the gap.

Through the crack in the door, I saw Denise standing at Farrell's desk with her back to me. She was holding a small medicine bottle, adding some suspicious substance to it. My breath hitched. Instinctively, I pulled out my phone and quietly snapped a few photos.

"Who's there?" Denise snapped, whipping around.

I hurriedly hid around the corner of the hallway. My heart pounded as her footsteps drew nearer. Just then, the sound of the front door opening came from downstairs. Jayden was back.

Denise stopped, and then I heard the study door click shut. Only then did I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. I slipped quietly back to my room. Only after locking the door did I dare to check the photos on my phone.

The angle wasn't perfect, but the photo clearly captured Denise pouring suspicious white powder into the medicine bottle.

Farrell had high blood pressure and needed to take his medication daily.

What was Denise doing? I stared at the photo, my hands trembling uncontrollably.

This was way too serious. I thought I must tell Jayden about it immediately.