Chapter 4

When my father, Joshua Sterling, heard about the drama at the party, he came running over.

He went off on me before I could even get a word in.

My dad snapped, "Vivian. You pain in the neck. You're always turning the house upside down. Sophie's such a good kid. Why do you have to give her such a hard time?"

Seeing the anger on Dad's face, I couldn't help but feel a sour ache in my chest.

I shot back, "You really think I'm the one giving her a hard time? She just took my evening gown without asking. Did you even know she straight-up stole it?"

Ryan, never one to miss a chance to stir the pot, immediately started piling on.

He said, "Dad, you have no idea. Sophie already apologized, but Vivian just wouldn't let it go. She actually forced Sophie to change in front of everyone to humiliate her, and even threatened to call the cops on her.

"Dad, you really need to teach Vivian a lesson. She doesn't even have the most basic decency anymore. She's like a rabid dog, biting anyone in her own family."

Dad's frown deepened as he turned to Alexander for confirmation.

When Alexander nodded without hesitation, Dad looked at me with utter disappointment.

He said, "Vivian, I'm really disappointed in you. All this drama just because of a dress? Did you really have to make Sophie feel so embarrassed?

"And it's not like she did it on purpose. I've watched that kid grow up. She's never had a mean bone in her body. Why can't you just get along with her?"

I was about to tell Dad I didn't bully Sophie, but he cut me off, waving his hand impatiently.

He didn't even let me finish, just shut me down with a wave.

He said, "Alexander says you bullied Sophie, and that's proof enough for me. I'm not interested in your side of the story.

"Vivian, I know you're jealous of how we treat her, but maybe you should take a good look at yourself for once.

"Ever wonder why nobody likes you? While Sophie's always here keeping me, your old man, company and making me laugh, what are you even doing?

"When Sophie's busy cooking for your brothers because she actually cares how hard they work, what are you doing?"

I watched as he kept praising Sophie, putting me down like I was nothing. My eyes were red with frustration.

Just as I was about to speak up for myself, someone stepped forward before I could say a word.

My mom, who had come down from upstairs at some point, shot Dad a frosty look.

"Doing what, you ask? Of course, my daughter's busy studying culture, manners, and business skills. She's not just sitting around, you know."

She gave Ryan and Alexander a cold, sweeping glance.

Mom snapped, "Do you think high society is easy? Vivian's busy enough. Why should she cook for you herself? We have a housekeeper. Does Vivian really need to step into the kitchen?

"Sophie gets a paycheck from our family. Taking care of you is literally her job.

"Have you all lost your minds? You let yourselves get bought with some petty gestures, and now you're forgetting your own blood?"

Mom was on the warpath, glaring at Dad and my two brothers.

"So, who was it that tried to blame Vivian and make her apologize to Sophie?" she snapped.

Alexander and Ryan looked like they'd swallowed a lemon, but kept their mouths shut.

Mom used to be a real powerhouse when she was younger. Even though she's retired now, she still holds a significant stake in the family business, and her word still carries a lot of weight at home.

Dad, feeling humiliated by Mom shutting him down in front of everyone, stiffened his neck and barked out.

"Vivian's only like this because you spoiled her rotten. She can't even tell right from wrong anymore. She's just arrogant and bossy.

"Let me make this clear. Nobody's kicking Sophie out."

Mom looked even more pissed off now.

An all-out family showdown was about to go down.

I gave her sleeve a gentle tug and murmured a few words in her ear.

When Mom looked up again, her expression was cool and collected, all her anger gone.

She gave a half-smile, her expression unreadable.

Mom said, "Fine, let her stay."

We shared a glance, both on the same page.

To understand the outcome for them without her presence, it would have to be seen from afar.