This was Gianna’s usual tactic, initially used against her stepfather.

It was one of Mom’s moments of weakness that gave Gianna the leverage she needed.

That year, Gianna had just arrived at our home, throwing tantrums every day, insisting she wanted to return to her own house.

Her family lived in the countryside, in a dilapidated old house, and it took several hours to reach the city, so her stepfather was naturally reluctant to go back.

Mom felt sorry for her; losing her biological mother at such a young age made Mom especially attentive to Gianna.

She even went so far as to spend half a month’s salary to buy...