Chapter 4

Hearing Ashley spew such shameless nonsense, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

My laughter rang out, loud and clear.

In the dead-silent living room, it sounded especially harsh and out of place.

Ashley froze for a second, then her face flushed with rage and humiliation.

"What are you laughing at? Am I wrong? You ungrateful woman!" she snapped.

The smile vanished from my face, replaced by an expression as cold as winter frost.

"Mom, are you really confused about how the law works?" I said, my voice icy, unable to hide my contempt.

I rose slowly, walked over to…