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end of her seat, legs still crossed. “Who’s legally under my care and in my house. I’m her guardian.”
    More’s the pity. The more Mother surprises me with little interferences here and there of what I want Georgie to suffer, the more my stomach sours that I turned over my parental rights. With only weeks until my daughter is considered an adult, my time to exact revenge is limited. Both Mother and I know this, so she’s coming around to my way of thinking.
    There’s no room in the world for both Georgie and me to live.
    Jane clears her throat. She’s smiling, attempting to cover her disappointment that I still so clearly see. Maybe, she’s trying to diffuse the situation. I’m offended that she thinks she’s my equal, who’s able to insert herself into my conversation.
    “Mrs. McCall, I admire you so much. Because of you, my mother sought help for her depression. She saw your interview after your release from—”
    “We don’t discuss that time in this house,” I interrupt, glaring down my nose at her.
    I met Jane at a function I attended for one of the charities whose board I sit on. I don’t even remember which one. Jane was one of the losers trotted out to offer their sob stories, to soften hearts and open purses. Once she gave her sad, little speech, she was seated at my table. Since Parnell barely spoke to me—he still doesn’t—and photographers were circling, I struck up a conversation with her. By the end of the evening, I’d found a solution to the problem of Georgie’s baby.
    A month has passed, and I’ve finally gotten this meeting on Mother’s schedule to introduce her to Jane and Joe. It was my idea to offer them money. Nothing will buy them class or status, but it’ll purchase their silence and loyalty.
    “It’s been nice meeting you people,” Mother states and stands. “We’ll be in touch.”
    Panic rises in me. “Where are you going?”
    Ignoring me, she snaps open her purse, and then holds out a business card to Jane. “Call me at that number at ten tomorrow morning.”
    My eyes bug out, just like Jane’s, but I recover quickly. Clearing my throat, I tap my hand on my chest in a delicate rhythm. The couple’s gazes follow the glint of my diamond ring.
    “Don’t worry,” I say lightly, my lips frozen in a parody of a smile. “This will be a three-way meeting with her attorneys. Right, Mother?”
    “No.”
    One word. So much meaning. Such a dire, gut-wrenching impact.
    Her gaze roams over me, from my head to my toes, and back again, before she finally stares into my eyes. Her face gives nothing away. I don’t know what’s going through her mind. I don’t even know if my gray pencil skirt and pink summer sweater pass muster.
    “Good day.” She turns toward the door.
    Alarm thins my blood, and makes me light-headed. “Mother—”
    “Good day, Cassandra,” she barks.
    I can’t let this go. Georgie and Sloane’s baby…
    “ I’m your daughter,” I grit out.
    She isn’t thinking about me. She’s considering Georgie. Otherwise, she’d snatch this opportunity to unload that brat.
    “Your primary concern is me,” I screech.
    Movement in my peripheral vision reminds me we’re not alone. Nervously, I glance at the couple and draw myself up at their shock. Control is slipping from me, but they are too beneath me to comment. If they did, I'd tell them about her . Georgie. How she’s brought my family’s dignity and good name into disrepute. Her ungratefulness always sends me over the edge.
    I despise her.
    My temples pound. Mother sighs and she sets her purse on a small table. Sailing to the far wall, she presses a buzzer to summon a staff member.
    They know not to tarry. Two minutes haven’t ticked by before Della arrives. I leap to my feet, breathing through my mouth at the sight of the executive housekeeper. She certainly isn’t mine . I wanted her fired, but they didn’t allow it. She found Georgie. Mother gave her a raise and Parnell was so happy he