With that, Stanley stepped in front of me, his gaze icy and severe. “Aurelia, it seems I've been far too indulgent with you. That’s why you’ve become so reckless, daring to lay hands on Ellie over a box of flour. Apologize to her now!”

“Dream on!” I glared at Elodie, consumed by the desire to tear apart the woman who had scattered my daughter’s ashes.

Seeing my defiance, Stanley tightened his grip on my hands. “Bring me that glass.”

Realizing what he intended, I shook my head frantically, but Stanley gripped my chin tightly. “This is just flour. How long are you going to pretend? Since you like it so...