Chapter 2
There was no mistaking it.
The emerald bracelet on Amber’s wrist was the Miller family heirloom. Not priceless, but traditionally passed down to the son’s wife.
Brenda had once told me that after I had a child, the bracelet would be mine.
Cody noticed I was staring at my phone and nudged me.
“My mom’s out here waiting for you. At least say hello instead of playing on your phone.”
“Cody,” Brenda scolded lightly, then turned to me with a smile. “Victoria’s back. Are you hungry? I made pot roast.”
The words were directed at me.
Her eyes were fixed on the trunk.
I immediately understood.
Every year, I had brought extravagant gifts worth millions as Christmas presents for the Millers.
This year, she was waiting for the same.
She was going to be disappointed.
My new company had been undergoing restructuring before the holidays. I hadn’t had time to shop. The gifts this year were all chosen by Cody.
When he pulled two bottles of wine from the trunk, Brenda’s smile froze.
She shot me a subtle look, then walked over to Cody.
“What is this? Why are we bringing home this cheap stuff?”
Cody shrugged. “Victoria said she was too busy. I think she’s just stingy. Doesn’t want to spend money on my family.”
Brenda nodded in agreement.
I almost laughed.
The one who never wanted to spend money on the Millers was her precious son.
I didn’t bother explaining. I walked inside.
Cody’s sister, Kaylee Miller, was on the couch with her husband, watching Amber’s livestream.
“Look, honey, this is the Amber I told you about. She’s the only sister-in-law I recognize. As for Victoria, if she didn’t come from money, my brother would’ve dumped her ages ago. You don’t have to be nice to her.”
She reduced me to nothing.
The phone in her hand, streaming the whole thing, was the newest model I had bought her last month.
So the entire Miller family knew about Amber.
I was the only fool left in the dark.
I didn’t argue.
I quietly recorded everything.
At dinner, as expected, not a single dish was something I liked.
“Victoria, things have been tight for us this year,” Brenda said apologetically, while placing the meat dishes closer to Cody.
Cody kept staring at his phone. He thought he was subtle, but the smile on his face gave him away.
When I reached my fork toward the dish in front of him, Brenda clicked her tongue.
“Victoria, I told you we don’t have much left this year. You’re used to a luxury lifestyle. We have to make this food last.”
Cody added, “Perfect timing. Didn’t you say you wanted to lose weight?”
The anger hit all at once.
I gripped the edge of the table.
Then I flipped it.
Plates, soup, and meat crashed to the floor, splattering across their expensive clothes.
“If I’m not eating,” I snapped, “then none of you are.”
“Victoria Sterling!” Brenda screamed, lunging at me. “Who taught you to behave like this in your husband’s house? I’ll teach you a lesson today!”
I slapped her across the face without hesitation.
“You live off my money and still have the audacity to bark at me? Try that again and I’ll divorce Cody tonight.”
The room fell silent.
Brenda’s face flushed in shifting shades of red and purple.
Cody paused, then walked toward me.
“Victoria, my mom hasn’t been feeling well these past few days. She lost her temper. Don’t take it personally. Tell me what you want to eat. I’ll have her cook it again.”
I turned and walked into the bedroom.
Divorce?
That wasn’t nearly enough.
I wanted their entire family ruined.
Amber Rossi was still live.
I watched as Cody’s private account entered her livestream.
Within seconds, he sent a thousand Rocket Ships.
The payment method linked to my bank card.
I swallowed my fury.
Then I switched to another account and started typing in the chat.