Chapter 1

Sarah was a project manager, good at her job, calm.

She was in her late thirties.

Michael was her fourth husband.

Her friends joked, called her the "MIL Whisperer."

Sarah didn't like that name.

She thought of herself as a "domestic diplomat."

Her first three marriages ended.

Not because of her.

She handled three very difficult mothers-in-law.

Expertly.

They either backed off completely, or their sons chose Sarah.

Sarah knew how to turn tables.

She was observant, preferred strategic, non-confrontational defense.

Michael, her new husband, was a software engineer.

He loved Sarah deeply.

But he was conflict-avoidant, especially with his mother, Brenda.

Michael had been married twice before.

Both times, his mother's interference destroyed the marriages.

Jessica, his first wife, had a small bakery.

Brenda spread rumors of bad reviews, messed with ingredients.

Jessica's business failed.

Emily, the second wife, was painted as unstable.

Brenda faked a public "intervention" for a shopping addiction Emily never had.

It happened on Emily's late mother's birthday.

Brenda was Michael's mother, the main problem.

Early sixties, retired real estate agent.

Always well-dressed.

She spent her time on "community involvement," which meant gossip.

She needed absolute control over Michael.

To outsiders, she was charming, a victim.

In reality, she was ruthlessly manipulative.

David was Michael's father, Brenda's husband.

A retired accountant.

He seemed tired, dominated by Brenda.

But he had his own secrets.

Then there were Brenda's "Charity Guild Ladies."

Rich, gossipy women.

Brenda used them for social pressure.

And Grandma Betty, Michael's maternal grandmother, Brenda's mother.

Old-school, no-nonsense.

From a Rust Belt city, working-class.

She saw through Brenda's act.

Betty had a sharp tongue.

Sarah and Michael got married.

Her friends knew about Brenda.

"Be careful, Sarah," one said.

"Brenda's a nightmare."

"She destroyed Michael's other wives."

Sarah smiled, a small, confident smile.

"I've handled worse," she said, thinking of her previous "retirements."

She knew Brenda would try something.She was ready.She always was.She anticipated the games.

This was just another project, a domestic one.