Chapter 3

Rosemary snatched the trophy from the table and smashed it to the floor.

With a sharp crack, the base of the trophy split open.

"You still dare to talk back?" she snapped.

Carla crouched down to pick it up.

I put a hand on her shoulder, then bent down to pick up the cracked trophy.

The trophy wasn't expensive. It was made of plastic, and the base was hollow inside.

But when Carla held it, her hand was smudged with chalk dust, and her eyes sparkled like the first time she won a prize at school.

I looked up at Rosemary. "You smashed Carla's trophy."

Rosemary said, "She doesn't respect her elders. This is her lesson."

The door lock clicked. Shane was back.

He was wearing a crisp shirt, the faint scent of cologne clinging to his collar. It was different from the usual hospital disinfectant.

Vanessa was right behind him. She carried a cake box in her hands, her white dress pristine and her hair styled perfectly in place.

As soon as she walked in, she apologized, "Serena, I'm sorry. I didn't know today was Carla's parent-teacher meeting. My son's school asked Shane to give a speech at the last minute, and I couldn't get out of it."

Carla took the cracked base from my hand and looked up at her. "Is your son a Preston?"

Vanessa's smile froze.

Shane snapped, "Carla, who taught you to be so rude?"

Carla replied, "No one. My dad left me a long time ago, so no one ever taught me."

Shane raised his hand.

This time, I stepped in front of Carla.

His hand froze, anger flashing in his eyes. "Serena, see what she's turned into because of you."

I said, "She put it a little harshly, that's all."

Vanessa set the cake down on the coffee table, her voice gentle. "Carla, I know you're upset. But your dad's a doctor. He saves so many lives. He can't always be around just for you.

"My son got an award today, and the school specifically asked me to speak. I really didn't mean any harm."

Carla looked up and asked, "So, what kind of award did your son get?"

Vanessa paused for a moment. "It's just a best improvement award. Nothing special."

Carla looked at Shane. "I'm the top student in the whole city, but you never have time for me. Yet when her son gets a best improvement award, you're right there on stage giving a speech."

Shane's face darkened. "Grades aren't the only standard for judging a child."

Carla let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, guess snatching someone else's dad counts as a skill too."

Rosemary stormed over. "Watch your mouth!"

I pulled Carla back.

Shane pointed at me. "Make her apologize right now."

I said, "You're the one who should be apologizing."

Vanessa's eyes went wet. "Serena, do you really think there's something between Shane and me? We're classmates. My husband died early, and I've got no one to help at home. Shane's trying to help."

Maya chimed in, "She's a single mom struggling on her own. Are you two seriously trying to make things even harder for her?"

Carla let out a mocking laugh.

She said, "Turns out her husband died young too, huh?"

Vanessa's face went completely pale.

Shane grabbed Carla's wrist. "You're apologizing to Vanessa today, no matter what."

I grabbed his hand and pried his fingers off Carla's wrist, one by one.

He looked at me, like he was seeing me for the first time.

I said, "Shane, you're hurting her."

He said, "I'm her father. It's my job to discipline her."

I shot back, "You don't even know her shoe size. Don't try to act like some perfect dad."

Carla rubbed her wrist, her voice hoarse. "I don't need him telling me what to do."

Shane glared at her, teeth clenched. "Alright then. Since you're so independent, from now on, I won't pay a single dollar for your extra classes or your living expenses."

Rosemary immediately chimed in, "Should've done this ages ago. Let's see how long this mother-daughter duo can keep acting so tough."

Maya sneered, "Serena, is your bakery even making any money? Don't come begging Shane when you run out of cash."

I bent down, picked up the last piece of the trophy from the floor, and dropped it into a bag.

"Carla's expenses? I'll handle them myself," I said.

Shane let out a cold laugh. "You sure about that?"

I said, "Absolutely."

Vanessa spoke gently. "Serena, don't let your pride get in the way. Carla needs her education. Everything costs money."

I turned to her. "So, are you here to bring cake or to enjoy the show?"

Vanessa's grip on the cake box tightened.

Shane stepped in front of her. "That's enough. When did you get so sharp-tongued?"

I shot back, "Ever since you set up your ER at Pinnacle Academy."

The living room fell silent.

Shane fixed his gaze on me. "Serena, tomorrow you're taking Carla to Vanessa's place to apologize face-to-face. If you don't, don't blame me if I get tough."

I asked, "What exactly do you mean by 'get tough'?"

He said, "This house belongs to me. You two need to stay somewhere else for a few days to clear your heads."

Carla's head snapped up.

Rosemary finally cracked a smile.

I looked at Shane and asked, "We're moving out tonight?"

He said, "If you wanna keep stirring things up, then yeah, tonight."

I didn't make a scene.

I went into the bedroom, grabbed two suitcases, and packed up three changes of clothes for Carla, a few textbooks, and her awards from over the years.

Shane stood in the doorway, his expression growing uglier by the second.