Chapter 96
“I don’t want to argue with you. Just figure out how we’re going to get back to Uncle’s house,” Jocelyn said.
She flagged down a cab, and the two of them got in. When they arrived at Linda’s older brother’s place, they found everyone sitting on the curb, looking dirty and dejected.
As soon as they saw Linda and Jocelyn get out of the cab, the whole group rushed over, bombarding them with questions. “What happened? Linda, why did they take the house back? Didn’t you buy it for us? You better do something about this.”
“Yeah, that’s right. The Hart Corporation is riding high, more successful than ever. You’re Mr. Hart’s wife now, basking in glory. Shouldn’t you be getting us an even bigger house?”
Linda was about to speak when Jocelyn stepped forward. “Uncle, you can’t blame us for this. It’s all Sienna’s doing. She’s been way too harsh on us. No matter what, my mom is still their stepmother.”
With her silver tongue, Jocelyn managed to turn the whole group against Sienna.
Jocelyn glanced at her uncle, Linda’s younger cousin, who was now wearing a vicious, scheming look. Satisfied, she looked away.
“Pay up. If you don’t, I’m calling the cops. You think you can just ride for free?” the cab driver shouted.
Jocelyn looked mortified, shooting a pleading glance at the others, but everyone just avoided her gaze. Grinding her teeth, she had to swallow her pride and ask to borrow the fare. Only then did someone reluctantly fork over 15 bucks.
Vivian had been planning to go to a business meeting, but her boss said he wanted to handle it himself. So she ended up getting off work early.
When Vivian got home, she overheard Amber telling Elisa all about her day at the amusement park with Sienna.
Vivian clenched the hem of her shirt, thinking, They went to the amusement park? Why didn’t Sienna tell me? She must’ve been worried it would mess with my work. Yeah, that’s definitely the reason.
There’s no way Sienna would take Amber to the amusement park. Amber’s such an idiot, always siding with Jocelyn just to piss Sienna off. Sienna must be so disappointed in her.
Going to the amusement park must’ve been something Amber begged for, clinging to Sienna and refusing to let go.
When Amber saw Vivian standing there, her happiness was practically written all over her face. That smug grin and the way she looked at Vivian, all cocky and challenging, just drove Vivian crazy.
Vivian stomped past her in her high heels, each step landing with a loud, deliberate click.
As Vivian walked by, Amber suddenly piped up, “Hey, someone gave me this giant jar of candy. There’s so much. I can’t even finish it.”
Vivian could totally hear the bragging in Amber’s tone, and it made her furious. She gripped her bag even tighter.
‘It’s just a jar of candy. Does Amber really have to show off like that?’ Vivian fumed. ‘Does she even realize how embarrassing she looks acting like this? Seriously, it’s like she’s never had candy before. She must lose her mind.’
Upon watching Vivian stomp off in a huff, Amber’s goofy little ahoge swayed side to side as she cheerfully wiggled her shoulders, bouncing to the beat all the way back to her room.
Vivian stormed into her room and hurled her bag onto the floor with a loud thud.
“Amber is too much,” she fumed inwardly. “Why did Sienna give her a whole jar of candy? It must be the kind they had today—so delicious I can still taste it in my mouth. And I can tell for sure it’s not some local candy from Solara!”
‘No way. I can’t let things keep going like this,’ Vivian seethed, getting more and more agitated. She grabbed her hair and tugged at it hard, almost pulling it out.
“Ugh, this is driving me crazy. Amber, you stupid girl,” Vivian shouted. “I won’t let you take her away from me.”
She really hated herself for speaking up for Amber today, for giving her another chance to stay at the Hart residence.
“Yeah, I helped her out today. It’s only fair I get something in return, right?” Vivian tried to convince herself.
Vivian cleared her throat, straightened her jacket, and made her way to Amber’s room.
Amber wasn’t inside. Vivian seized the opportunity and walked right in, immediately spotting the big jar of candy sitting out in the open.
Vivian popped the lid, grabbed several handfuls, and stuffed them into her pockets. Then she tore open a few wrappers and tossed the candies into her mouth. Wow, this is seriously delicious, Vivian thought.
Amber had just gone downstairs to see if Sienna was back yet. After all, Sienna had promised to sleep in her room tonight.
‘She can’t break that promise or go back on her word,’ Amber wondered. ‘I have even given Sienna a reward for it. I have come in first in the boat race and won Bartholomew Bear for her.
‘Sienna has to sleep with me tonight. If she dares to go to sleep with Vivian instead, I swear I’ll never talk to her again, and I definitely won’t forgive her.’
“Vivian, what are you doing?” Amber’s voice snapped from the doorway, catching Vivian red-handed.