Chapter 6

The heavy glass of the Maybach window rolled down completely with a smooth, silent hum.

Donovan's cold, sharp profile was fully exposed to the courtyard. He turned his head slightly. His dark eyes bypassed Warren completely and locked onto Celina once again.

This time, his stare was heavy. It was the look of a predator assessing its prey.

Warren noticed the direction of Donovan's gaze. Panic seized his chest. He turned around and glared at Celina, his eyes bulging with rage.

"What are you standing there for?" Warren hissed through his teeth, keeping his voice low so he wouldn't offend Donovan. "Get her inside! Now!"

Elvie grabbed Celina's arm. Her nails dug into Celina's skin through her thin jacket. She practically dragged Celina up the marble steps toward the front door.

Celina didn't fight back. She let Elvie pull her, but right before she crossed the threshold, she turned her head slightly. She cast one last, indifferent look over her shoulder toward the Maybach.

Donovan watched her disappear into the house. The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk. He pushed the heavy car door open and stepped out.

Inside the mansion, the grand foyer was blinding. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, reflecting light off the polished marble floors.

The sharp clicking of high heels echoed from the grand spiral staircase.

Karrie Fry walked down the stairs. She wore a pristine, custom-made white dress that looked like it cost more than a car. Her blonde hair was styled perfectly.

"Mom!" Karrie cried out in a sweet, sugary voice.

She ran across the foyer and threw her arms around Elvie.

Elvie's harsh, angry face instantly melted. A look of pure, overwhelming love washed over her features. She hugged Karrie tightly, stroking her hair.

Celina stood a few feet away. Her face was a mask of cold indifference. She watched the sickening display of motherly love, feeling nothing but disgust.

Karrie pulled back from Elvie. She turned her head and gasped, pressing her hands to her mouth as if she had just noticed Celina standing there.

"Oh my gosh! You must be my new sister!" Karrie squealed. Her eyes sparkled with fake excitement.

Karrie stepped forward, opening her arms wide for a hug.

Celina's eyes narrowed. She saw the micro-expression of disgust in Karrie's eyes. She saw Karrie's gaze flick down to her muddy sneakers and cheap clothes.

Just as Karrie's arms were about to wrap around her, Celina took a smooth, deliberate half-step to the right.

Karrie lunged at empty air. She stumbled forward slightly, her arms wrapping around nothing.

Karrie froze. Her face flushed red. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes, making her look like a wounded puppy.

"Celina!" Elvie shrieked, stepping forward to protect Karrie. "What is wrong with you? Where are your manners?"

Celina looked at Elvie, then at Karrie.

"I'm dirty," Celina said, her voice flat and loud enough for everyone to hear. "I didn't want to ruin her expensive dress."

Karrie's fake smile twitched. Celina had just ripped the mask right off her face.

Before anyone could speak, heavy, aggressive footsteps pounded against the floorboards of the second-floor landing, emerging directly from the open double doors of the family billiards and game room. Dock Gregory leaned over the wooden railing. He still held three heavy metal darts in his right hand from his interrupted game, the brass barrels gleaming under the recessed lighting. His face was twisted into an ugly, arrogant sneer.

"Look at the trash the cat dragged in," Dock yelled, his voice echoing in the foyer. "You smell like a dumpster from up here."

Elvie didn't scold him. She looked up at her son with a soft, indulgent smile.

Dock laughed. He raised his right arm, gripping one of the sharp metal darts. He aimed it directly at Celina's face.

"Let's teach the beggar how to dodge," Dock sneered.

Outside the open front doors, Donovan Suarez stepped onto the top marble step, with Warren trailing nervously behind him. Donovan's dark eyes swept into the foyer just in time to see the scene unfold.

Dock's arm snapped forward. The heavy metal dart sliced through the air, hurtling straight toward Celina's eye.