came the n

reading the paper, ignoring the fact that Vivian had slept in

id not invite people

prejudices. Vivian drove herself. When she walked into the

in her high-backed

ol beside her, pouring tea like

id, her voice like d

Vivian said, ch

er voice dripping with fake concern. "D

nt

r. "You wanted to

rly," Eleanor said. She set her cup down. "That

n said, keeping her eyes lower

he constitution of a wet paper towel, Vivian. Your family was drowni

the doorframe, crossing his arms. He lo

sturing to the girl, "knows how to beha

"I just want ever

set on the table between them

If you win, I'll forget this incident. If you lo

ared at t

"I was captain of the chess club in high

lett represents the family.

Her movements wer

n?" Vivian a

ffed. "You don't even k

lightly, "I don't want Scarlett coming to the

ckered with panic.

an said. "Sh

ame b

d her pawns fast, trying to dominate t

ly. She let Scarlett ta

," Scarlett taunted, t

he watched the patterns. She saw the trap Sca

rextended her queen. She tho

rlett announ

ht. Her hands shook a

wned. She mo

. "Is... is this right?

p snapp

," Vivian said unce

rlett laugh

ett m

an m

ze. There was nowhere to go. Every square was

ian whispered. "

anor leaned forward, her eyes wide. Sh

mured. "You never to

. "My father taught me a little before

ned. For the first time, he looked a

twisting her hands together nervously. "P

to tears. "Julian

held her, glaring at Vivian. "You just got

her purse. "I'm just glad I won't

lighter. Stronger. But she kept her

s not over. It