I sidestepped with a sharp move and the ashtray crashed into the door, exploding into shards.

All she got in return was the resounding slam of the door as I walked out.

This time, I wasn’t going to tolerate any more of her nonsense.

She could find someone else to bother.

With only one car in the house and summer break underway, Randal handed me the keys and assigned me the roles of Juniper’s full-time chauffeur and nanny.

To make sure Juniper couldn’t find any reason to complain about me, I deliberately left the car keys right in her sight

With no one else to drive her to the gym, Juniper ended up calling Hugo Reeds, her ex-boyfriend.

Before long, I spotted Hugo assisting Juniper into the car.

Anticipating this moment, I had strategically hidden in the garage. As they strolled hand in hand towards the car, I seized the opportunity and snapped a photo.

The sight of Juniper and Hugo still being so close would likely drive Randal up the wall.

They climbed into the car, their laughter echoing and sped off in a blur.

Reflecting on it now, I realized how I had bent over backwards to cover for Juniper, only to find myself with nothing but resentment in return. Instead of earning her favor, she’d seized every opportunity to pin the blame on me. This time, I was determined to stay one step ahead.

I called my mother and said, “Mom, my local scholarship came through! Remember how I promised to buy you that massager? Why don’t you come out with me for shopping. That way, we can choose one together!”

I knew just how to hit the right note with her.

My mom wasn’t just a fervent supporter of favoring sons over daughters; she was also ridiculously stingy.

Whenever money came in, it was always funneled straight into Randal’s pockets. Not only did she never save a penny for me, but she also delighted in squeezing every last cent out of me.

So when she heard I was offering to buy her a massager, she dropped everything and stopped her square dancing on a dime.

"That sounds great! Come pick me up right away!"

I grabbed a cab to pick up my mother and told her that the car was parked at Juniper's family home because they needed it.

Predictably, my mother was irked, muttering about how inconsiderate Juniper was, showing off her in-laws' car like she was rolling in money.

I stayed silent, but my mind was busy with thoughts.