David’s focus was glued to Brenda, so he was unaware of what I was doing.
The second he saw her “unconscious” act, he stormed over and slapped me so hard my head snapped to the side. “You ungrateful brat! Brenda’s always treated you like a sister, and this is how you repay her?
“Just wait. When I get back, you’ll regret this!”
Without another word, he and Miranda scooped Brenda up, carried her to the car, and sped off in dramatic fashion.
I rubbed my stinging cheek, smiling bitterly. Turning to Robert and the gawking servants, I didn’t miss a beat.
“Time’s up. The trash isn’t burned, so congrats—you’re all fired.”
Robert crossed his arms, unfazed, and shot back with a smug grin. “Maybe worry about yourself first. Who knows? You might be the first one tossed out of this house.”
Snickers rippled through the group, their mocking intent obvious.
I smiled faintly, calm but sharp, and unclipped Rambo’s leash. That was all it took. Rambo tore into action, barking ferociously as he charged toward Robert.
“Ahhh! She’s crazy!” Robert shrieked, scrambling up the stairs. He practically flew to the third floor, pounding on a door. “Help! Claire’s lost it! She’s siccing the dog on me!”
The door creaked open, and out stepped my grandma, leaning heavily on her cane.
“Claire!” she snapped, “If you let that dog run wild one more time, you’ll regret it!”
Rambo, ever the smart one, immediately froze. It tilted its head toward me, letting out a soft, pitiful whine.
Grandma’s smirk screamed victory as Rambo froze, her wrinkled face oozing smugness. “Kill that dog! Turn it into stew and send it to Brenda as an apology. Got it?”
I shook my head, flicking a glance at Rambo. “What’s this old hag even talking about?”
Right on cue, Rambo sprang into action. The house exploded into chaos—screams, frantic yelling, and his deep, furious barking echoing off the walls. Pure mayhem.
While everyone panicked, I got to work, tossing all of Brenda’s and Miranda’s stuff outside. Designer clothes, gold bars—seriously? These so-called victims of circumstance had been living like royalty.
