Chapter 5

The next day, I went out to buy sanitary pads.

At the checkout, I was told there were insufficient funds.

But I had $200 saved up on my card.

Back at the mansion, I pushed open the door.

The three of them were at the dining table, laughing and chatting.

A gift bag sat on the table.

Eleanor was stroking a silk scarf, a look of pure delight on her face. "Our Chloe is such a thoughtful little angel, always bringing Mommy gifts! I'm so happy!"

Richard was twirling a plastic cup in his hand, grinning from ear to ear. "Daddy likes it too. You truly are my precious daughter."

Chloe pouted, leaning her head on Eleanor's shoulder. "But these two gifts only cost two hundred dollars. You two won't be mad that I bought something so cheap, will you?"

Eleanor immediately shook her head. "Of course not! As long as it's from my darling, even two dollars is a treasure in my heart."

Richard didn't miss a beat, taking the chance to disparage me. "Exactly! Unlike your sister, who only knows how to spend the family's money and never bought us a single gift. She's an ungrateful leech. She could never compare to my Chloe..."

As they noticed my return, their conversation died.

Chloe tilted her head, her smile brimming with malice.

That two hundred dollars…

It was my allowance for two months.

It was all the money I had.

A cold dread washed over me. Something in my mind snapped. When I finally registered what was happening, my hand was already raised, aimed at Chloe.

But before my palm could connect,