"This is big news!" Her voice dripped with malicious glee. "The former number-one socialite of the capital... after marrying a Northwestern barbarian and getting widowed, she's now begging for food on the street like a stray dog."
Her fingers tapped rapidly as she posted the photo to her social media feed, waving the phone at me provocatively.
Ryan stepped out of the driver's seat. His frown deepened as he approached. "Aria, are you doing this on purpose? Trying to play the victim? Where is the check?"
"Tore it." I swallowed the dry bread. "It was too dirty."
His face darkened. He slapped the bread out of my hand, sending it tumbling into the dirt.
"What are you pretending to be so lofty for?" he snarled. "When your barbarian husband died, did he leave you penniless? We give you money, and you put on airs? You're clearly doing this to make people think we abused you!"
His grip closed around my wrist. Fingers digging into skin.
Georgia laughed, delighted by the show. She opened her designer bag, grabbed a handful of loose coins, and scattered them on the ground. They clattered across the pavement, some rolling into the sewer grate.
"Pick them up." Her grin widened, eyes shining with cruelty. "Sister, didn't you used to be obsessed with cleanliness? Now, for the sake of that child, surely you'll bend your waist?"
I didn't move.
I just stared at her, my gaze glacial.
"Georgia, you really haven't changed. You are so ugly inside, it makes me want to vomit."
Before Georgia could react to the insult, Ryan exploded.
*Slap!*
His hand struck my face hard, the sound cracking through the air.
"Watch your mouth! Is Georgia someone you can judge?"
I didn't dodge. I didn't flinch.
My cheek burned, but compared to the agony in my heart, this physical pain was nothing.
It was almost grounding.
Georgia pouted, leaning into Ryan and whining, "Alright, Ryan, don't be so mean. Sister definitely didn't mean it. She just stayed in the Northwest too long; she's gone feral."
Ryan scoffed. He pointed a finger in my face.
"Aria Henson, recognize your place. Georgia is the future mistress of the Henson family. Forget your little stunt today trying to guide public opinion against us. But listen closely: Blackstone Capital is coming for an inspection. If you and that bastard in your belly dare to come out and be an eyesore during that time, don't blame me for being ruthless."