Ashley seethed at the living room entrance, her anger bubbling over as she overheard her father and brother's conversation. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to contain the rising fury within her. It felt like her carefully orchestrated scheme had backfired, inadvertently bringing her father and brother closer, a scenario she had desperately tried to avoid.
Determined not to let this setback deter her, she gritted her teeth and resolved to devise even more ingenious strategies to tarnish Nick's reputation. With that in mind, she pivoted on her heels and stormed away, her frustration palpable in every sharp, purposeful step.
*********
"Did you talk to him?" Sarah's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope as her husband strode into the room, heading towards the bed.
